Yulia (name changed) reached out for help after already having a one-month break in her treatment. Previously, she received her therapy from Ukraine — friends either sent or brought her medication. But over time, this option was no longer available. Yulia kept waiting, hoping that someone might deliver the medicine, but the days passed, and the treatment gap continued. That was when she called a HelpNowHUB consultant.
The consultant explained to Yulia that it is important not only to have access to medication but also to undergo regular check-ups: monitoring viral load, CD4 levels, biochemical tests, and other essential indicators. She encouraged Yulia to register for care in Poland to ensure uninterrupted access to treatment.
Yulia filled out the required forms for the Center for Public Health, sent them, and received a copy of her medical record. The HelpNowHUB consultant helped her schedule an appointment with a doctor and prepared a detailed route on how to get from her town to the HIV counseling center. On the day of the visit, the consultant supported Yulia over the phone — from the bus stop all the way to the clinic doors, and even on her way back when she got a little lost again.
Today, Yulia has already received her therapy and the date for her next tests. She started taking her medication on the very first day. After she undergoes lab tests next month, she will be given a three-month supply of medication. This means there will be no more interruptions in her treatment. Moreover, Yulia listed the consultant as her contact person so that in the future, if needed, she could collect the therapy on her behalf and send it by mail. This will save Yulia time and help her avoid difficulties at work.
“I feel confident again. Now I know that I am not left alone with my diagnosis and that support is always there,” says Yulia.
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This publication was prepared within the framework of the “From heart to heart” project in partnership with Zjednoczenie Pozytywni w Tęczy and Step by Step Fundacja, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.