Eric's Journey with Hepatitis B: Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Treatment

In the Philippines, hepatitis B remains a significant public health issue, affecting over 5 million individuals, as highlighted by Eric, a 37-year-old Manila resident who has navigated the complexities of this often-overlooked disease. Since his diagnosis in 2010, Eric's journey has shed light on the critical need for awareness, access to treatment, and the importance of community support.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis B affects more than 250 million people globally, with the Western Pacific Region alone accounting for approximately 100 million cases. In the Philippines, nearly 70,000 new cases were reported in 2022, averaging nearly 200 diagnoses per day (WHO, 2022). Eric's story epitomizes the barriers faced by many in similar situations, where stigma and financial constraints hinder access to necessary care and treatment.

Eric first discovered his hepatitis B status during a pre-employment medical examination, where he was deemed unfit for overseas work. "I felt demoralized and knew my dreams of working abroad were gone," he recalled. Hepatitis B, primarily transmitted from mother to child or through infected bodily fluids, can lead to severe liver complications, including cancer. Despite being preventable through vaccination, the stigma associated with the disease often prevents individuals from seeking treatment or disclosing their status.

The financial burden of hepatitis B treatment in the Philippines can be daunting, with monthly medication costs averaging around US$30. Consequently, many individuals, like Eric, may delay or forgo treatment altogether. Eric's treatment journey did not begin until 2018, eight years post-diagnosis, when he encountered the Yellow Warriors Society Philippines—a community organization advocating for affordable hepatitis services. Chris Munoz, an Advisor for the Yellow Warriors Society, stated, "We have been and will continue to advocate for coverage of hepatitis services in the national insurance package."

Through the Yellow Warriors, Eric learned to access free medications from government treatment hubs. However, he noted that supply instability is still a concern. "Sometimes I had the medicine, sometimes I didn’t—but I stayed hopeful," Eric said. His most recent laboratory results indicate no signs of tumors, a testament to the importance of consistent treatment.

As World Hepatitis Day approaches on July 28, 2025, the theme "Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down" emphasizes the urgent need to dismantle financial, social, and systemic barriers to hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention. Eric envisions a future where no one faces shame regarding their diagnosis, advocating for equal access to care. "I want to live a long life—for my children, for my family. I want to continue working and be treated like everyone else," he expressed.

Eric's journey reflects a broader narrative about the challenges faced by hepatitis B patients worldwide, underscoring the importance of comprehensive public health initiatives, community support, and destigmatization efforts in the fight against this preventable disease.