“When the war started, there was really no question of whether to leave or stay. We lived in a small town in the Sumy region, very close to the border. We simply had to quickly pack the essentials, documents, medicines — and leave,” says Tetiana (name changed).
She arrived in Poland with her child almost immediately after the start of the full-scale war. At that moment, the future was completely uncertain: a new country, an unfamiliar system, the need to find housing, while being responsible not only for herself but also for her child.
Tetiana is living with HIV and regularly takes antiretroviral therapy. Before leaving Ukraine, she managed to take a supply of medication with her. This later proved extremely important, as obtaining all the necessary documents in Poland took time.
“It was a good thing I had my medication with me. It took some time to sort out the documents and understand the system. My biggest concern was not to be left without treatment. When you arrive in a new country, at first you simply have no idea where to go or who to contact.”
During this period, Tetiana received support from volunteers, and when she needed help with continuing her treatment, she contacted Fundacja HelpNowHUB. The team helped her navigate the Polish system and provided the necessary information on where exactly to go to receive medical care and continue her ART.
“It was important for me that I didn’t have to search for everything on my own, without knowing where to start. I already knew which hospital to contact and what to do next. When there is so much uncertainty around you, this kind of practical help is very reassuring.”
Gradually, life became more predictable. Tetiana found housing, got a job, and obtained health insurance. She is learning Polish, occasionally attends meetings with other Ukrainians, and continues to take her treatment regularly. She describes her health as stable.
“I think I’ve gotten used to life here. I have a job, I have insurance, my child is with me, and I receive my treatment. I’m not planning to return for now. To be honest, there is practically nowhere to return to.”
Tetiana speaks calmly about her HIV status but considers it private information that she is under no obligation to share unless necessary. While still in Ukraine, she experienced negative attitudes from some relatives after her former husband disclosed her status to them. That is why today she decides for herself whom to tell and under what circumstances.
“I’m not hiding it because I’m ashamed. I simply don’t understand why people who have nothing to do with it should know about my status. I take my medication and look after my health. This is my medical information.”
In Poland, Tetiana does not feel constant pressure or any requirement to disclose her HIV status. Her workplace does not require any related medical certificates, and the issue has never arisen when renting accommodation. Outside healthcare settings, her HIV status has practically no relevance to her everyday life. Most of her interactions with Polish people today are through work, shops, everyday matters, and healthcare.
“When I buy food or clothes, when I work or rent a home, my HIV-positive status doesn’t change anything. I’m simply a mother who works, raises her child, and tries to live a normal life.”
During her time in Poland, Tetiana has gone from urgently leaving a border town with her child and a supply of medication in her suitcase to building a life that once again has a sense of stability and a familiar daily rhythm. At the beginning of this journey, it was particularly important for her not to be left alone with the challenge of continuing her treatment.
“At that time, I needed one very simple thing — to understand where to go so that I wouldn’t be left without treatment. HelpNowHUB helped me do that. After that, everything else was gradually resolved as well. I’m grateful that at that moment there were people by my side who knew how to help.”
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This publication was prepared by Fundacją HelpNow HUB within the framework of the project “From heart to heart” in partnership with Fundacja Step by Step and Fundacja Res Humanae, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.