January 7th, 2013

This week, we have been looking at the inspirational Wall of Stories on the excellent World Hepatitis Alliance website.

The Wall of Stories features a variety of people from all over the world who have individual stories to tell about their experiences with hepatitis B or C. By encouraging them to speak openly, the Wall of Stories aims to “tell the global human story of two diseases that collectively affect 500 million people around the world.”

While some of the stories are anonymous, many of those taking part choose to add their name and photo to the Wall. Some stories are particularly moving. For example, Karam from the Lebanon tells of the stigma he experienced after contracting HCV in jail: “Neither stigma nor discrimination will heal you; you and only you can heal you. We can put an end to stigma; we just need to speak with one voice.”

Charles from the UK recounts his struggle with different treatments and eventually beating the virus: “Since then my health has continued to improve and I now live a life so full that I would never have imagined possible back in 1997.”

Whoever you are and whatever your language, if you have a story to share, you can submit it on the site.