Hepatitis B is a disease that is widely known, with pediatric vaccinations common in much of the developed world. However, many may not be privy to just how serious the physical, mental, and emotional effects can be for those living with the disease.

Physically, hepatitis B attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. People living with chronic hepatitis B are at a higher risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is the leading cause of liver cancer, the third most deadly cancer. The majority of people living with the virus are unaware that they have the infection, resulting in thousands of lives lost each year despite the availability of vaccines and treatments that are both effective and affordable in most places.

As it relates to mental and emotional health, unfortunately, millions of people living with hepatitis B face the added burden of stigma and discrimination. Widely held misunderstandings and assumptions about the behaviors that lead to somebody acquiring and living with hepatitis B are frequently impacting people’s personal and professional lives, dividing and splitting families and communities, and even limiting their human rights to work, study, and travel. Additionally, people living with hepatitis B are often subject to discriminatory policies, sometimes disguised as public health interventions.

Tune in as Isabelle Lonjon-Domanec, M.D., Senior Medical Director, Janssen Infectious Diseases and Danjuma K. Adda MPH, FIMS, Dip-IMS, President-Elect of World Hepatitis Alliance discuss the impact of stigma on people living with hepatitis B, highlight findings and key takeaways of the newly-released report developed by the World Hepatitis Alliance with support from Janssen, and how policymakers, healthcare professionals and the general public alike can help to make a difference.

The IDViewpoints podcast was created by Janssen. Guests of IDViewpoints are not compensated in any way for participation in this podcast. All thoughts and opinions expressed on IDViewpoints are those of the guests and should not be considered medical advice. If you need medical advice or have questions about your treatment or condition, consult with your healthcare provider.