Hepatitis C screening at King Fahad Hospital in Lamu. [Mercy Kahenda, Standard]
He walked into the screening clinic simply wanting to know his health status. But after tests, 48-year-old seaman and fisherman received news he had not expected: He had tested positive for Hepatitis B.
He was counselled and linked to care. Moments later, he walked out of the Lamu County Referral Hospital determined to face the diagnosis and manage his condition. “I am not shocked. This is a disease that can catch anyone,” he said.
He suspects he contracted the virus through unprotected sex. He said seeing other people living with Hepatitis B while on medication had given him hope he, too, could live with the infection. “I am happy to know my status. Not knowing would risk infecting other people. Hepatitis B is not a death sentence. With medication adherence, I shall prevent the disease from advancing.”
For Beatrice*, however, the diagnosis came as a shock. The healthcare worker at a hospital in Lamu went for screening after colleagues encouraged her to get tested. To her surprise, the results were positive. “I cannot tell how I acquired the virus.”
