Continuity of treatment during relocation: Serhii’s story

When Serhii (name changed) began preparing to move from Ukraine to Poland, one of the most important issues for him was continuing opioid substitution therapy (OST). He had been enrolled in an OST programme in Ukraine and understood that moving to another country should not result in an interruption in treatment.

That is why he contacted Fundacja HelpNowHUB for support even before leaving Ukraine.

“I was worried not only about the move itself. I needed to understand which documents to take with me, what to do at the border, how to legalise my stay in Poland afterwards and, most importantly, how not to be left without treatment. It was difficult to figure all of this out on my own.”

A HelpNowHUB consultant supported Serhii from the preparation stage of his journey: she explained which documents he needed to collect and how to proceed when crossing the border so that, after arriving in Poland, he could obtain a PESEL number with UKR status. The support continued throughout every stage of his relocation.

After arriving in Poland, the next practical question arose — how to continue OST as quickly as possible. Obtaining a PESEL number took some time, as the information about the status recorded when crossing the border had to appear in the Polish system. The waiting period could take several working days.

“That gap was what worried me most. You are already in Poland, but you still do not have all your documents. And treatment cannot wait until all the formalities are completed.”

The HelpNowHUB team continued supporting Serhii in Poland: they helped him schedule the necessary appointment, accompanied him when he visited the relevant institution, and clarified in advance the possibility of enrolling him in an opioid substitution therapy programme before he received his PESEL number.

Eventually, all the necessary formalities were resolved. Serhii received a PESEL number with UKR status and was enrolled in an OST programme in Poland. An interruption in the support he needed was avoided.

“For me, the most important thing was knowing that I would not be left alone with this issue. I was supported from the moment I was still preparing my documents in Ukraine until everything had already been arranged here.”

Gradually, other aspects of his new life also began to fall into place. Serhii found a job, which should also provide him with health insurance. For the first month, while his insurance coverage is being arranged, a convenient OST schedule was agreed upon: instead of daily visits, he will attend the programme once a week.

Today, Serhii is legally residing in Poland, working, and continuously receiving the treatment he needs.

“When you move to another country, it feels like you have to deal with dozens of things at the same time: the border, documents, legalisation, treatment, work. Now everything has finally fallen into place. I have my documents, I have a job, and I am continuing my treatment. For me, that means I can finally move forward.”

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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.

OST Poland

A new life in Poland: work, adaptation and continuity of treatment — Andrii’s story

“I knew about my status back in Ukraine. Here, only my wife knows about it. For me, this is medical information that should not determine how other people treat me,” says Andrii (name changed).

Andrii arrived in Poland with his wife after the start of the full-scale war. Kraków was their first city, but they were unable to stay there for long. The couple moved several more times, primarily because of difficulties finding affordable housing and stable work. Eventually, Andrii found a job as a welder on a construction site. He says the work is not easy, but today he is satisfied that he can support himself and his family and gradually build a life in a new country.

Andrii knew about his HIV status before moving, and once in Poland, continuing his treatment became one of the important issues. At first, he needed information about where to go and how to access the necessary medical care within an unfamiliar system. The Fundacja HelpNowHUB team helped him with this by providing the necessary guidance on continuing his treatment.

After his initial medical examination, Polish doctors made some adjustments to Andrii’s treatment regimen. “As I understand it, the standards or approaches to treatment here are slightly different. The local doctor made some changes to my regimen. I feel well, so I’m satisfied with the result.”

The language barrier gradually stopped being a problem as well. Andrii learned Polish mainly through everyday life and at work. Many Ukrainians work alongside him on the construction site, and at first they helped with translation and explained words he did not understand. His employer helped too. “He already speaks almost Ukrainian himself,” Andrii laughs. “So the influence goes both ways: we learn Polish, and they learn Ukrainian from us.”

Andrii does not tell either his colleagues or acquaintances about his HIV status. In Poland, he has not encountered situations in which he was forced to disclose this information. His wife remains the only person he has consciously chosen to tell about his status. “My wife needs to know — that is obvious to me. But I don’t tell anyone else. Even my mother and sister don’t know. I know my family, and I think they might judge me without even trying to understand first. So I don’t see any point in discussing it.”

After several moves and searches for housing and work, the couple’s life has finally become more stable. Andrii works, receives the treatment he needs, speaks Polish, and feels much more confident in a country that was completely unfamiliar to him just a few years ago. “I’m happy with everything now. I work, I receive treatment, and I feel well. And I’m very grateful that I can live and work here. I think that is the most important thing.”

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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.

HIV Poland