In a quiet town called Akuse, there lived a vibrant young woman named Ama. She was 21yesrs
old, full of life, active in church, and passionate about serving in the church and community. One
day during a free medical screening at her local chapel, Ama received an unexpected news: she
had tested positive for Hepatitis B. Her heart raced.
“Hepatitis B? What’s that? I’m not even sick!”
Little did Ama know, Hepatitis B is often a silent visitor—quiet but dangerous. And many young
people like her are walking around not even knowing they’ve opened the door.
Let’s walk through Ama’s journey and learn all we need to know about this disease.
What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic
disease. It’s caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Hepatitis B has 100 times more infectious than HIV, according to the World Health Organization
(WHO). The virus can live in the blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals and can be
passed on unknowingly.
In Ghana and many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Hepatitis B is highly endemic. According to
WHO, 1 in every 10 Ghanaians is chronically infected. Globally, over 296 million people live with
chronic Hepatitis B. Every year, it causes around 820,000 deaths, mostly from liver
complications like cancer and cirrhosis.
One sad truth is that, most people get infected in childhood even before they even know how to
protect themselves.
Facts vs Myths
As Ama opened up to her friends about her diagnosis, she was stunned by the number of myths
floating around.
Here are some she encountered—and the truth behind them:
Myth: Hepatitis B is a curse or punishment.
Fact: It’s a viral infection, not a spiritual attack.Myth: It only affects drug users or immoral people.
Fact: It can affect anyone (including newborns and faithful Christians).
Myth: If you’re not sick, you can’t spread it.
Fact: Many people with Hepatitis B have no symptoms but can still infect others.
Myth: There’s no hope after diagnosis.
Fact: With early detection and treatment, people live long, healthy lives.
How Is It Spread?
HBV is transmitted through:
1. Blood (e.g., unsterile injections, razor sharing, blood transfusions)
2.Unprotected sex
3.From mother to child at birth (a common route of spread in Ghana)
4.Sharing personal items like toothbrushes or clippers
It does not spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or shaking hands.
Hepatitis B, pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding.
Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child through delivery. However during
pregnancy the baby is healthy. Anti- viral drug can be started for pregnancy women in their
third trimester and after delivery, the Hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin is given to the
baby to prevent mother to child transmission. It is completely safe for the mother to breastfeed
her baby.Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of Hepatitis B can vary depending on whether the infection is acute (short-
term) or chronic (long-term). Many people with chronic Hepatitis B may remain symptom-free
for years (especially the young people) until significant liver damage occurs.
(A) Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms (usually appear 1–4 months after exposure):
Fatigue (tiredness)
Fever
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain, especially near the liver (right upper abdomen)
Dark urine
Clay-colored or pale stools
Joint pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
(B) Chronic Hepatitis B Symptoms (may appear years later, if at all):
Persistent fatigue
Right upper abdominal discomfort
Joint or muscle pain
Jaundice (in advanced cases)
Swelling in legs or abdomen
Weight loss
Confusion or memory problems (due to liver damage)Complications
1. Chronic Hepatitis
2. Liver cirrhosis
3. Liver failure
4. Liver cancer
( W ew i l ld i v ed e e p e ri n t ot h e s el a t e r )
Prevention
The good news is that Hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable.
Here's how you can protect yourself:
1. Get tested – Know your status. It is advisable to check your status preferably once every
6months or at least once a year.
2. Get vaccinated – It’s a 3-dose series that gives long-term protection.
Hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin shots are given to babies delivered by Hepatitis B
positive mothers after birth.
3. Avoid sharing personal items – razors, clippers, needles.
4. Use protection during sex or wait until marriage, preferably.
5. Accept blood transfusion from trusted sources only.
Can it be treatment?
Yes!
While there’s no permanent cure yet, there are effective antiviral treatments for chronic
Hepatitis B that help manage the disease and prevent liver damage.
People with chronic infection need regular check-ups to monitor their liver health.Ama’s Hope
Ama didn’t let her diagnosis define her. She got vaccinated to protect others around her,
encouraged her youth group to get tested.
Through prayer, education, and the support of her church, Ama turned her challenge into a
testimony.
What Does the Bible Say?
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
”
– Hosea 4:6
Let us not perish in silence. Let us rise with wisdom, take charge of our health, and help our
brothers and sisters do the same.
Conclusion
Hepatitis B is a serious health issue but with awareness, testing, and vaccination, we can break
the silence and stop the spread.
Let’s stay informed. Let’s stay protected. Let’s live fully!
References
1. World Health Organization. (2024). Hepatitis B. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-
sheets/detail/hepatitis-b
2. Ghana Health Service. (2023). Hepatitis B: Know Your Status Campaign.
3. CDC. (2023). Hepatitis B Information. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/index.htm