Gilead Sciences launches a video series showcasing four individuals above 50 managing the chronic disease.

 

Biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, in collaboration with the Coalition to Eradicate Viral Hepatitis in Asia Pacific (CEVHAP) and the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), has launched the “Creating a Healthier Asia” video series. Produced on behalf of this partnership by BBC StoryWorks commercial productions, and available on the “Creating a Healthier Asia” hub, the video series provides insight into the real-world challenges of living with hepatitis B in Asia from the point of view of the people managing it. Topics covered include misinformation, inaction, delayed diagnosis, and other barriers to receiving care.

There is the story of 65-year-old Min Kyung Yoon from Seoul who after being diagnosed with hepatitis B (HBV) and liver cancer, he decided to take charge of his health and is helping others grappling with the same challenges. There is also 69-year-old Lai Wang Yu from Hong Kong who after 30 years being diagnosed with HBV, he shares about being proactive with his monitoring. There will be other stories of individuals taking charge of their health to live happy and meaningful lives being released from November to December including the stories of 63-year-old Chua Cher Joo from Singapore and 56-year-old Ho Qing Quan from Taiwan.

Hepatitis B remains an invisible chronic disease, especially for those born before national immunisation programmes. More than 50 percent of the estimated 257 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infection lived in Asia-Pacific. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests only 10 percent of individuals infected with hepatitis B, are aware that they have it. Furthermore, most people with asymptomatic hepatitis B are often diagnosed only when it has developed into more severe conditions.

“Early diagnosis can be crucial for people living with hepatitis B to live long and happy lives. Raising awareness of hepatitis is an essential driver for people to come forward for testing and diagnosis,” said Cary James, CEO, World Hepatitis Alliance. “Medical advancements have made hepatitis B a treatable condition. The stories shared in the video series are testament that people living with hepatitis B can lead a long and fulfilling life.

“I hope that this series will bring the message home to people living with hepatitis B that they are not alone – there is a strong support system for you out there.”

 

** To view the videos, go to: HERE.