She Shared the Message. Then She Helped One Person Act

Let’s Break It Down

Mariam had been sharing hepatitis awareness posts in her family WhatsApp group.

People reacted with a thumbs-up, made a short comment and moved on to the next message.

One evening, she began wondering whether anyone had actually done something with the information.

She called her older brother and asked:

“Have you ever been tested for hepatitis B and C?”

He paused.

“No. I feel fine. Why would I need a test?”

Mariam did not try to frighten him or act like a doctor. She simply explained that hepatitis can remain unnoticed for years. Then she suggested that he speak with a qualified healthcare professional about testing.

He agreed, but added:

“I don’t know where to go.”

So she helped him find a trusted testing service and offered to go with him.

Mariam is a fictional example, but this is a situation that can happen in many families.

Pakistan has more than 13.8 million people living with hepatitis B or C, yet only around 25–30% know they are affected. Many people are therefore not being tested or reaching treatment.

Those numbers are difficult to take in. But behind every number is a person who may feel healthy, may be delaying a test or may simply not know where to begin.

During this campaign, we have talked about safe injections, screened blood, barber blades, dental instruments, vaccination, treatment, stigma and care closer to home.

Today’s message is simpler:

Help one person take one useful step.

Ask someone in your family:

“Have you ever been tested for hepatitis B and C?”

Ask gently. It is not an accusation, and it does not mean you believe the person is infected. It is a health question, just like asking when someone last checked their blood pressure or blood sugar.

You do not need to give medical advice. You can help the person contact a trusted clinic or healthcare professional and ask whether testing is appropriate.

Someone may already have an old report sitting in a drawer. Encourage them to show it to a qualified professional instead of trying to understand it alone.

Another person may have delayed care because of fear, distance, cost or confusion. Helping them find a clinic, make a phone call or arrange transport may make the next step easier.

WHO’s 2026 World Hepatitis Day theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” calls for removing the barriers that keep people from prevention, testing, treatment and care.

Sometimes the barrier is not a lack of information.

It is not knowing where to go.
It is being afraid of the result.
It is having no one to accompany you.
It is saying, “I will do it later,” until years have passed.

Mariam’s brother did not need another message forwarded to him. He needed someone to ask the question personally and help him find the next step.

Before World Hepatitis Day, think of one person. Ask whether they have ever been tested. Help them find a trusted clinic, make the call or offer to go with them.

Helping even one person move from reading to action would make this campaign meaningful.

This article is part of the SOULS World Hepatitis Day educational series supporting hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment and access to care in Pakistan.

References

1. World Health Organization — World Hepatitis Day 2026: Hepatitis—Let’s Break It Down
2. WHO Pakistan — Action Needed to Detect and Treat Over 13.8 Million People Living With Hepatitis B and C