MS’s Story of Living with Hepatitis B in India

MS is a social work postgraduate from Northern India who was informed that he had hepatitis B after donating blood. MS used to work with people living with HIV and AIDS, and he noticed that there is significant awareness of HIV and AIDS in India, but much less awareness of hepatitis B. He feels that mass mobilization and communication about hepatitis B are needed, and he was completely unaware of what hepatitis B was until he tested positive. He cannot afford private medicine and has not received government or medical support, but he is taking precautions to protect his wife and daughter. MS feels that being hepatitis B positive is not the end of someone’s life, and he encourages people to get tested, seek treatment, and visit a healthcare facility for help.