There’s a story BehinD the SilenCe.
Sometimes, what people living with
hepatitis don’t say, says everything.
Stigma, fear, or uncertainty can make it difficult for people living with viral hepatitis to open up fully to their doctor about how their condition impacts their daily life. This often prevents them from getting the support they need.1
BehinD the SilenCe looks to shine a light on the unspoken experiences of people living with hepatitis B, C, and D. By sharing real stories of people living with viral hepatitis, alongside the perspectives of a healthcare professional, the campaign will show the power of open conversations in breaking down stigma, which is too often a barrier to testing and care.
We are harnessing the transformative power of art to give voice to the unspoken. Photography and audio have brought to life the experiences that words alone cannot capture, to reveal the hidden truths and emotions too often hidden BehinD the SilenCe.
Together, Gilead and the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) aim to create a space where every voice matters, every story is heard, and no one has to face viral hepatitis in silence.
Listen to what’s BehinD the SilenCe
Meet the Ambassadors
Person featured compensated by Gilead Sciences
Terry D. Box, MD
During his four decades long career as a hepatologist, Dr T Box focused on chronic viral hepatitis and transplant hepatology. He has seen first hand how stigma is the significant barrier to appropriate care.
“Until we can convince people living with hepatitis that we, their healthcare providers, are not going to judge them, we can't have open, frank, and honest conversations.”
Person featured compensated by Gilead Sciences
Steffy P.
Steffy describes herself as a fighter with the heart of a survivor and the love of a healer. As a survivor of childhood sex trafficking, addiction, hepatitis C and silence, Steffy now supports people living with hepatitis C, and HIV to provide mobile testing, case management, and peer support.
“My advice to doctors would be to not diagnose a story that you haven't heard. Lead with compassion first and medicine second.”
What inspired this campaign?
In a recent survey by the WHA, one in four respondents living with hepatitis B (25%) and around a third (34%) of those living with hepatitis C reported they were worried they would be treated differently from other patients by healthcare staff.1 This stigma is a barrier to testing and care.1 For a future without viral hepatitis, we need everyone to feel supported and free of judgment when engaging with their healthcare providers.
This is the catalyst to the ‘BehinD the SilenCe’ campaign. Gilead and the WHA are working together to close the gap between what's said by people living with hepatitis and what remains unspoken to break down barriers in access to diagnosis and care.
Take a step to break down stigma
The more people speak out, the more we break down stigma and build understanding. Fostering trust is vital in ensuring every person living with hepatitis can access the support they deserve.
Together, we can change how viral hepatitis is seen and treated. For more information, visit the WHA website.
BehinD the SilenCe is a collaboration between Gilead and the WHA, helping to close the gap between what's said and what remains unspoken.
Reference
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. A pilot survey of stigma related to infection with hepatitis B and C. World Hepatitis
Alliance. Accessed October 2025. https://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Hep-B-and-C-survey-on-stigma-FINAL.pdf