“I knew very little about hepatitis C at the time of my diagnosis. I didn’t even know where to go or what to do. I was scared, and the cost of treatment felt overwhelming. Finding the right place for care was another worry. But with the support I received, I was able to access treatment, and today, I am healthy again,” says Krishna Raj Bajracharya, 50, as he recounts his experience of surviving hepatitis C.
In 2011, Krishna, a former drug user, tested positive for hepatitis C. Although he was familiar with diseases like HIV and tuberculosis, hepatitis C was something that he had never heard about, he recalls. His fear of the disease grew further when he learned the cost of the three-month medication course and necessary diagnostic tests exceeded 100 000 Nepali rupees (approximately US$ 1400 at the time). For Krishna, who was unemployed and in an unstable financial situation, this amount felt completely out of reach.
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Krishna Raj Bajracharya, a former hepatitis patient, today spends his days advocating for other patients at SPARSHA Nepal a community organization providing Hepatitis, HIV and tuberculosis-related services in Lalitpur, Bagmati Province, Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S. Shrestha
Although a few non-profit organizations had received donations of hepatitis C medicines from humanitarian groups, the supply was limited and many patients were already on the waiting list.
In December 2023, nearly a decade after his initial diagnosis, Krishna finally began a three-month course of oral medication at SPARSHA Nepal in Kathmandu. The medication he received was part of a consignment provided by WHO to the Government of Nepal as catalytic support to expand access to hepatitis treatment services.
Reflecting on how things have changed since he was first diagnosed, Krishna shares, “Back then, many tests were required to start treatment. The medications were very expensive and caused adverse effects. Now, the newer treatment is safe, effective and less toxic.”
Krishna is grateful to WHO and other donor agencies that have supported the government, allowing hepatitis patients like himself to access care more easily. However, he acknowledges that much still needs to be done to improve access to viral hepatitis care, including high-risk populations such as persons who inject drugs.
As part of its support to the government, WHO has contributed to building the capacity of health workers on the management of chronic hepatitis B and C. Through the Ministry of Health and Population, WHO Nepal has also provided treatment courses for more than 400 patients with hepatitis C. This support has helped patients like Krishna live a life free from hepatitis.
A former drug user, Krishna now works as a social mobilizer at SPARSHA Nepal. Since joining the organization a decade ago, he has dedicated himself to helping others navigate the same health challenges he once faced.
“Many people live with Hepatitis C for years without knowing they’re infected. It rarely shows symptoms early on, and by the time signs appear, the disease may be advanced,” he explains. “People need correct information, not fear.”
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Krishna Raj Bajracharya overcame Hepatitis C and now urges others to break the stigma, reminding us that education, not fear, is the key to change. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.Shrestha
Krishna urges regular testing, especially for people who inject drugs, handle medical equipment, work in sanitation, or are involved in sex work.
“Know your health status. Don’t wait. Early diagnosis means early treatment and a better chance at recovery,” he says.
On World Hepatitis Day, WHO calls on government, policymakers, healthcare providers, civil society and the public to accelerate efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis in Nepal by breaking down barriers to healthcare access, ending stigma, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
Interview with Mr Krishna Raj Bajracharya