Mohammed, a Rohingya youth advocate living in a refugee camp in Bangladesh, shares how hepatitis B profoundly affected his family. His father was diagnosed with hepatitis B and later developed severe liver complications, including cirrhosis, leading to significant emotional and financial challenges for the family. Mohammed describes feeling helpless and frightened as he watched his father suffer, and his father ultimately passed away from hepatitis B–related complications. This loss became a turning point for Mohammed, motivating him to focus on health awareness and community education. He now advocates for hepatitis B testing, vaccination, early medical care, and greater understanding within his community. Through sharing his story, Mohammed hopes to reduce fear and stigma, prevent other families from experiencing similar loss, and turn his father’s painful experience into hope for others. 

In 2018, after his entire family was screened, Terry learned that he had tested positive for hepatitis B. The stigma associated with his diagnosis immediately affected his education, preventing him from pursuing his dream of attending seminary school and becoming a priest. Although he initially felt isolated because of his hepatitis B diagnosis, with the support of his family and medical team, Terry has learned to care for himself and feel more comfortable with his diagnosis. Terry hopes that one day there will be a cure for hepatitis B so that others no longer have to live in fear. In the meantime, he shares his story to encourage people living with hepatitis B to remain hopeful, attend regular checkups, and spread awareness so that others do not experience the same discrimination. 

Edhie was diagnosed with hepatitis B while undergoing a medical checkup for a company, and this diagnosis cost him the job. After undergoing many different treatment options and witnessing his brother pass away from the impact of hepatitis B on his liver, Edhie felt that he must help others. He stopped receiving medical treatment, and he created the "The Budi Lukmanto Foundation" to honor his brother’s memory. Today, 3,360 people have been vaccinated and screened for hepatitis B, with a focus on those aged 3-17 living in orphanages. Edhie feels that the future of Indonesia lies in the hands of these children, and that we must fight ignorance and protect everyone from hepatitis B. 

Nargiza shares her experience of being diagnosed with hepatitis B and later hepatitis Delta, which significantly impacted her health and life over time. She reflects on her childhood, family life, marriage, and motherhood, noting both emotional support and the challenges of managing chronic illness. After her diagnosis, she adopted stricter hygiene practices and became more conscious of transmission risks, while also navigating fear and uncertainty about treatment and costs. Despite ongoing health concerns and family history of hepatitis, she remained active in her personal and professional life, working in the public sector and maintaining meaningful relationships and travel experiences. Ultimately, she describes building resilience through lifestyle changes, learning about her condition, and focusing on what brings her peace and happiness. 

Shawn shares that he experienced a difficult childhood, growing up in children’s homes and spending years on the streets, where he faced significant trauma before learning to care for himself. Over time, he found opportunities to rebuild his life, eventually traveling across Australia and establishing a career as a senior advisor in the mining industry. He reflects on the importance of resilience, drawing strength from his journey and from seeing others who have struggled but not found the same opportunities. Living with hepatitis B, Shawn emphasizes that people with the condition are no different from anyone else and should not be feared or stigmatized, calling for greater awareness and education. Ultimately, his message is one of hope. Despite challenges, people can reclaim their lives, seek support, and remain strong, compassionate individuals. 

Sonia from Nigeria learned she was living with Hepatitis B in 2020 after her mother took the family for a routine health checkup. The diagnosis deeply affected her, causing emotional trauma and making it difficult for her to focus on her studies at the time. She also experienced stigma and discrimination, with some friends and family distancing themselves or questioning if she was contagious. Despite these challenges, Sonia adjusted her lifestyle, became more mindful of her health, and found strength in advocating for hepatitis B awareness. She encourages others to get tested, take control of their health, get vaccinated, and treat people living with hepatitis B with kindness and respect. 

Dr. Elibariki shares how he was unexpectedly diagnosed with hepatitis B while donating blood as a medical student, a moment that completely changed his life. What began as an act of kindness quickly turned into fear, uncertainty, and emotional distress, especially after receiving discouraging reactions from healthcare providers. The diagnosis deeply affected his mental health, career aspirations, and sense of purpose, leaving him feeling disconnected and hopeless. With the support of friends and a compassionate specialist, Dr. Elibariki reframed his diagnosis as a calling to help others rather than a limitation. Today, he encourages people living with hepatitis B to prioritize their mental well-being, share their stories to break stigma, and embrace their dreams with courage, resilience, and hope. 

Ecaterina from the Republic of Moldova shares her journey living with hepatitis B, a diagnosis she first received in 2010 and was initially told not to worry about. After years without monitoring, her health declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she learned her hepatitis B had progressed, requiring urgent treatment. Having witnessed her mother’s suffering and early death from hepatitis-related complications, Ecaterina chose to take action and eventually joined a clinical trial, finding hope through both medical care and community support. Her story highlights the importance of regular monitoring, access to treatment, and the different ways hepatitis can affect individuals. Ecaterina encourages others to stay informed, seek care without shame, and hold on to hope. 

Alelyn shares how her hepatitis B diagnosis led to deep depression, fueled by fear, lack of information, and uncertainty about her future and her children. After struggling alone, she found hope and support through the Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines, which became a second family that helped her regain strength and purpose. Through their guidance, Alelyn learned about hepatitis B, accessed the Kendall Study, and received free medical checkups, lab tests, and ongoing care. With proper monitoring and support, she has remained healthy and optimistic, and all of her children are hepatitis B–free. Alelyn now encourages others living with hepatitis B to speak up, seek support, and never lose hope, emphasizing that awareness, community, and continued advocacy are key to healing and finding a cure. 

Hilario discovered he had hepatitis B in 2014 during his company’s annual medical examination, which led to workplace discrimination and deep emotional distress. Struggling with depression, fear, and financial limitations, he tried various ineffective remedies and experienced significant anxiety about his health and future. Claire found the Yellow Warriors Society of the Philippines, which provided guidance, community, and hope, helping Hilario regain purpose and support. Together, they became active advocates, raising awareness about hepatitis B, educating others, and reducing stigma while managing Hilario’s health through regular checkups. They emphasize resilience, gratitude, and the importance of seeking support, encouraging others with hepatitis B to live fully without fear and to advocate for themselves and others. 

Chona was diagnosed with hepatitis B during her fourth pregnancy in 2012, a moment that brought fear, trauma, and intense stigma as multiple hospitals refused to accept her for care. Through an online search, she found support from Yellow Warriors of the Philippines, who helped her understand the importance of timely vaccination and immunoglobulin for her newborn despite limited access to care. Although her experience deeply affected her physical and emotional health, Chona found strength, community, and hope through advocacy groups and faith. Today, she ensures her children are vaccinated, attends regular checkups, and encourages others living with hepatitis B not to lose hope or let stigma define their lives. 

Tatu, a nurse, shares how she was unexpectedly diagnosed with hepatitis B after participating in a free testing and awareness campaign in 2015. The diagnosis was shocking and difficult, especially as she navigated stigma, fear of disclosure, and concerns about her career and relationships. Through counseling, education, and community support, Tatu learned that living with hepatitis B is not the end of life. Today, she uses her lived experience to support patients and educate her community about the importance of knowing your status and seeking care. Tatu encourages others not to remain silent, reminding us that with support, medical care, and understanding, people living with hepatitis B can live full and meaningful lives.