From drug addiction to battling Hepatitis B: Two speak on journey to recovery

Hepatitis is a disease that can have devastating effects; It's a condition that affects millions of people around the world and can have serious long-term consequences for one’s health if not treated.

In a display of resilience, Kennedy Mwangi and Fatuma Lali from Malindi share their journey of overcoming Hepatitis. Both individuals, who had once battled drug addiction, faced the life-altering consequences of Hepatitis after sharing contaminated needles with their peers. Their stories of strength and hope inspire others in their community to be aware of the risks associated with Hepatitis and the importance of early detection and treatment.

 For Kennedy Mwangi, a 40-year-old recovering drug addict, he was once engulfed in a spiral of addiction to bhang and cigarettes. However, his life drastically changed when he contracted Hepatitis through injectable drug use. Experiencing symptoms such as yellow eyes, fatigue, and severe stomach aches, he realized the gravity of his situation and sought medical care. After a diagnosis of Hepatitis, Kennedy embarked on a three-month-long treatment journey, facing the challenges that came with it, including frequent vomiting and yellowing of his eyes.

On the other hand, Fatuma Lali, a mother of five and a wife, found herself entangled in drug addiction and needle-sharing with her friends. Her life took an unexpected turn when she discovered she had contracted Hepatitis, jeopardizing her health and that of her unborn child. Despite the challenges, Fatuma decided to give up drugs and take the necessary steps to recover from Hepatitis.

During their battle with Hepatitis B, Kennedy and Fatuma found hope in government initiatives providing free vaccines and medications. 

As both individuals continue on their journey to recovery, they have become passionate advocates for raising awareness about Hepatitis and preventing future cases. Kennedy and Fatuma stress the importance of educating young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and the risks associated with sharing needles. They hope their stories will serve as cautionary tales, inspiring others to make informed choices and lead healthier lives.

Musa Kai, a registered clinical officer, who treated the two, says that there are different types of Hepatitis, A, B, and C. Still, in Kenya, the most common type of Hepatitis is Hepatitis B. Hepatitis is an infection caused by the Hepatitis virus that affects the liver and is spread by coming into contact with infected blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions. Sharing needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood puts you at high risk of Hepatitis B.

According to the Ministry of Health, Hepatitis in Kenya is disproportionately distributed among counties and populations. It is estimated that 1.9 million people are infected with Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV & HCV), with those having HBV being the majority at 1.56 million.“The government so far has done a good job in providing vaccines to anybody at the risk of acquiring the virus; Hepatitis is a viral disease and becomes chronic and fatal if not treated,” says Dr Musa

Kennedy Mwangi and Fatuma Lali's stories serve as beacons of hope, demonstrating that individuals can triumph over adversity with determination and support. As they continue to overcome the challenges posed by Hepatitis, their voices resonate with those facing similar struggles. Together, they are paving the way for a healthier and more aware community in Malindi, where the cases of Hepatitis are high due to the high prevalence of injecting drug users.