Shina’s Story of Living with Hepatitis B in Nigeria

At age 25, Shina, a public health worker in Nigeria, discovered he had hepatitis B while volunteering at a rural health outreach, leaving him frightened and uncertain about his future. With encouragement from his fiancée, mother, and her mother, he found the strength to seek care and begin treatment, even after facing financial challenges and the fear of stigma. After experiencing a setback when he had to stop his medication, Shina recommitted to his health and has now taken his treatment consistently for two years, bringing his viral load down from 13 million to 26,000 IU/mL. Today, he uses his experience to raise awareness about hepatitis B in Nigeria and advocate for more affordable testing, vaccination, and treatment. Shina shares his story to remind others that hepatitis B does not have to define their future—and that with early diagnosis, care, and support, people can live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.