Dilnora’s Story of Living with Hepatitis B and Delta in Uzbekistan

Dilnora has been caring for her sister with hepatitis B since 2005, offering physical, emotional, and logistical support throughout her health journey. After her sister was later diagnosed with hepatitis D, Dilnora shifted her academic and professional focus to hepatitis education and advocacy. She pursued graduate studies in health communication, worked as a patient navigator and researcher, and helped launch a support group for people with hepatitis B and D in Uzbekistan and the U.S. Dilnora emphasizes the importance of mental health, family communication, and community support in managing chronic illness. 

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. How did Dilnora’s sister first learn she had hepatitis B, and what additional diagnosis did she receive later?

(She found out during a routine checkup before surgery in 2005. Later, in 2019, she was diagnosed with hepatitis D.)

2. In what ways has Dilnora supported her sister over the years as a caregiver?

(She scheduled appointments, accompanied her to doctors, provided emotional support, helped her start mental health counseling, and even got their whole family screened and vaccinated.)

3. How did her sister’s diagnosis influence Dilnora’s career and advocacy work?

(It inspired her to focus her graduate studies on hepatitis B and D, work in public health and patient navigation, conduct research on caregiver communication, and create an online support group for Uzbeks living with hepatitis.)