Patrick’s Story of Living with Hepatitis B Malawi

Patrick first learned he was living with hepatitis B during a routine medical test in Malawi, despite feeling completely healthy. With no specialized treatment facilities available, he managed his status through regular checkups. But when career opportunities abroad arose, his dreams were cut short — denied work permits in Jordan and Iraq solely because of his hepatitis B status. Now back in Malawi, Patrick speaks out against discrimination, reminding us that people with hepatitis B can live healthy, productive lives. He shares his story to call for change so that skills, not medical reports, define opportunity. 

Discussion Questions and Answers:

1. How did Patrick’s hepatitis B status affect his professional opportunities?
(Patrick’s status prevented him from obtaining work permits in Jordan and Iraq, despite being healthy and fully qualified. While socially and health-wise he was not limited, discriminatory policies blocked him from jobs he had worked years to earn.)

2. What does Patrick’s experience reveal about hepatitis B awareness and healthcare infrastructure in Malawi?
(Patrick learned that Malawi lacks specialized facilities for hepatitis B treatment, and recommended treatments were not widely available in either government or private facilities. This shows a gap in both healthcare access and public awareness about the virus.)

3. Why does Patrick share his story, and what change does he hope to see?
(Patrick shares his story to show that people with hepatitis B can live full, productive lives. He hopes discriminatory laws and policies will change so future individuals are judged by their skills, not their medical status.)