Category: News

HelpNowHUB Foundation in 2024: a year of support, growth, and impact

The year 2024 marked a breakthrough for Fundacja HelpNowHUB that continues to work on the front lines of aid for migrants, refugees, and people living with HIV. Founded in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the full-scale war in Ukraine, the organization combines social support, medical counseling, and advocacy work, making a significant contribution to ensuring equal access to healthcare in Poland and beyond.

In 2024, HelpNowHUB reached the global stage for the first time by participating in the prestigious AIDS 2024 international conference in Munich. The event brought together representatives from 101 countries and became not only an opportunity to present the organization’s work but also a platform for initiating important discussions. “It was an incredible experience that opens new horizons for our organization,”
summarized Natalia Tyunyagina, board member, following the conference. During the event, HelpNowHUB hosted a thematic session on the challenges faced by migrants in Poland, participated in six panel discussions, and held conversations with partners about barriers to accessing treatment for HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis—including financial hardships, stigma toward vulnerable groups, weak infrastructure, and logistical obstacles in various regions.

In March 2024, foundation representatives joined a dialogue with the Polish Ministry of Health as part of the CORE — Community Response to End Inequalities initiative. Discussions focused on challenges related to achieving the UNAIDS “95-95-95” goals in Poland and the region. “We can reach every person only by acknowledging their individual needs and involving non-governmental organizations in the healthcare system,” emphasized Anna Ariabinska, President of HelpNowHUB. “Trust, openness, and equal counseling — that’s what really works.”

The foundation also continued implementing its program of free and anonymous testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, in collaboration with AHF Poland. “Health is the most valuable resource we have. That’s why it’s important to regularly take care of yourself and your well-being,” the campaign’s informational materials stated. A particular focus was placed on early diagnosis, which helps prevent complications and virus transmission. Throughout 2024, HelpNowHUB provided over 6,000 consultations, including access to therapy, psychosocial support, and individual psychological sessions.

Simultaneously, the foundation took active part in an international research project dedicated to barriers in access to HIV and TB treatment for displaced persons from Ukraine. Through in-depth interviews, the project identified systemic, legal, and linguistic challenges that complicate access to care during migration. “Our experience working with vulnerable groups allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the needs of displaced individuals and contribute to the development of effective solutions,” noted the foundation’s experts.

The organization also prioritized gender equality. HelpNowHUB representatives completed a seven-month training course at the WenDo Academy, where they learned assertiveness, self-defense, and how to overcome internal barriers. “Through this, we’re learning to define our own boundaries, respond to threats in time, and overcome stereotypes, fear, and guilt,” highlighted Natalia Tyunyagina.

One of the most emotionally impactful initiatives was Anna Ariabinska’s participation in the “Żyję z HIV” (“I Live with HIV”)social campaign in Warsaw. The photo project, social video, and mural were part of efforts to reduce stigma. “If an open conversation, my personal story, can help others feel better, inspire testing and treatment — then I’m on the right path,” said Anna. Her example is one of strength, openness, and genuine care for others.

The foundation also organized a series of cultural integration events. Notably, in May in Warsaw, the GRUND theater hosted an improvisational performance where the audience became co-creators of the show. Stories of loss, hope, separation, and love touched attendees and served as a means of emotional connection.

The year 2024 proved that even a small organization can make a major impact when professionalism, genuine dedication, and innovative methods come together. HelpNowHUB doesn’t just respond to crises — it changes the environment in which people live. Refugees working with the foundation receive not only emergency aid but also tools for long-term integration, health preservation, and a life of dignity. Today, HelpNowHUB is more than a humanitarian initiative — it is the voice of those who deserve to be heard.

Read the full report via the link.

“We are different – we are equal!”: Fundacja HelpNow launches a social project to support vulnerable groups in Poland

Women, people with disabilities, migrants, and those in need of support — these are the groups targeted by the new project “We are different – we are equal!”, implemented by Fundacja HelpNow HUB with financial support from AIDS Healthcare Foundation and AHF Poland. The initiative has been running for over two months in five Polish cities: Warsaw, Bydgoszcz, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Białystok.

“We want every person — regardless of their background, health status, or life circumstances — to feel safe, to have access to quality information, medical care, and support. Equality is not a slogan, it’s our daily work,” emphasizes Anna Ariabinska, Director of Fundacja HelpNow HUB.

The project includes a range of activities in educational, medical, and psychological areas. Among the planned initiatives are five 12-hour WenDo training sessions, in which 60 women from five Polish cities will participate. WenDo is a self-defense method designed specifically for women.

“WenDo training is not just about physical protection. It’s about confidence, asserting your boundaries, and the power to be yourself,” adds Ariabinska.

The project also provides consultations on HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, as well as support for social adaptation and legal aid. Free, anonymous HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis testing with pre- and post-test counseling is regularly carried out in Bydgoszcz and Białystok. Psychological support is also available to the project team.

According to recent data, 2,876 new cases of HIV were recorded in Poland in 2023 — the highest number ever registered. For comparison, just a few years ago, the average was around 1,000 cases per year. The number of infections among foreigners is growing particularly rapidly — 753 cases were registered in 2022, three times more than in 2021. Women account for about 20–21% of new HIV cases in Poland, and this number is slowly increasing. A significant portion of women are diagnosed at late stages, which complicates treatment and increases the risk of complications.

“A single test can change or even save a life. We want people not to fear the truth. Modern medicine allows people with HIV to live fully — the key is knowing your status in time,” stresses the Director of the Foundation.

The goal of “We are different – we are equal!” is to improve access to healthcare services for vulnerable groups, raise awareness about HIV, hepatitis, and other infections, promote a culture of regular testing, provide psychological support, and reduce HIV-related stigma. All of this is aimed at creating a safe environment where every person — regardless of gender, nationality, physical condition, or social status — has equal rights to health, support, and a life of dignity.

The Foundation invites everyone interested to take part in free, quick, and anonymous HIV testing in Bydgoszcz and Białystok. A detailed schedule is available by calling: +48 786 640 460 or +48 575 023 612, or by messaging Fundacja HelpNow HUB on social media.

“We’re not just offering services — we are building a community where everyone has the right to care, health, and a life of dignity!” concludes Anna Ariabinska.

HIV Poland

The freedom to be yourself: Kateryna’s story of resilience, fighting violence, and living with HIV

“I’m a mother of three, a woman with a history of substance use, now 18 years in remission. I live with HIV. And I am a free woman,” says Kateryna (name changed). Her story is one of resilience, responsibility, and the ability to rebuild herself after violence, addiction, and loss.

Kateryna learned about her HIV status in 2005, during her first pregnancy. “There was no PCR testing back then, only antibody tests. But I was immediately registered in Kyiv, received prevention treatment — and my baby was born healthy. Just like my other two children.” Since the beginning, Kateryna has been taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) and has never stopped treatment.

Relocating to Poland didn’t stand in her way: “I took a certificate from home, and initially had six months of ART with me. Then I simply went to a local infectious disease specialist — and that was it. They registered me, gave me the medication. The drugs are different here, but my viral load is undetectable. Everything’s fine. By the way, whenever friends or relatives move abroad, I tell them: contact the HelpNow team — they really do help.”

In Poland, Kateryna works and supports herself and her children. She holds multiple qualifications: medical worker, cosmetologist, and certified psychologist. But her story is not just about living with HIV and maintaining her health. It’s also a story of survival, endurance, and the difficult path of leaving abusive relationships.

Kateryna speaks openly about the years she lived with violence — physical, psychological, sexual and economical. The hardest part, she says, was recognizing how deeply ingrained her fear of being seen as “bad” was in her behavior. “I always tried to be the ‘good girl.’ I did everything myself, carried it all alone. I thought that was my role. And when I started to break away, to stand up for myself — the response was aggression.”

None of her former partners helped after the breakups. “I didn’t file for child support for seven years. I was ashamed. But then I just got angry — and I filed.”

Now, Kateryna is not in a relationship — and that’s a conscious choice. “I don’t see the point in going back to a dynamic where I end up dragging someone along again. If I ever truly want to be with someone, I’ll go to therapy and figure out why.”

Her survival formula is simple: rely on herself. “We don’t need a ‘savior.’ We need resources. If I know I can feed myself — I’m already safe. Everything else can be figured out. Education, financial independence, self-respect — that’s my strength.”

Kateryna’s story is one of deep transformation that begins with being honest with yourself. It’s about a freedom that no longer agrees to stay silent or endure abuse. And a resilience that is born from a simple decision — to stay with yourself and stand up for yourself.

“Everything we need is already within us. We just have to give ourselves permission to lean on it.”

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The 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.

Nina’s Story: “I have the right to care, no matter where I am

Nina (name changed) is a woman from the Kyiv region of Ukraine who moved to France this year with her young child. Back in Ukraine, she had already been seeing an infectious disease specialist and receiving ART (antiretroviral therapy), but after relocating to one of France’s largest cities, she faced challenges that felt overwhelming.

“The language isn’t mine — I hardly speak French. I had all my documents with me, but I didn’t know where to go or how to start. I was afraid I would lose access to treatment. More than anything, I thought about my child — I have to stay healthy for him.”

During the first few weeks, Nina tried to find a medical center on her own, where she could get help. By chance, while browsing online, she came across contact information for the HelpNow Service, which supports Ukrainians from key populations abroad, including people living with HIV.

“I sent a message — they replied with such kindness and understanding. Nina was able to register at a local medical center. She was assigned a doctor, underwent a medical examination, and received a new ART prescription. “I was shocked — everything went much more smoothly than I imagined. And most importantly, no one judged me. I felt that I wasn’t alone.”

Nina has now been receiving uninterrupted therapy for several months. “The support wasn’t just about getting medication. They helped me realize that I have the right to care, no matter where I am.”

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France HelpNow

“It was important to know I wasn’t alone”: Dmytro’s story

Dmytro (name changed) learned about his HIV status only after relocating to the Netherlands. The news came as an unexpected and distressing shock. In a new country, far from home and without familiar support systems, he found himself alone with a life-changing health issue. At first, he wasn’t ready to talk to anyone about it.

After finding HelpNow’s Service contact online, Dmytro reached out and quickly received clear, practical guidance — where to go and what documents or information he needed to have with him.

He was given the details of the nearest medical center, where he was able to get tested and undergo all necessary examinations. His knowledge of English helped him communicate confidently with the healthcare staff. Soon after, he completed the required tests and received his first ART regimen.

Alongside starting treatment, Dmytro continues his studies and is actively searching for a job, doing his best to adapt to his new life as quickly as possible. He gratefully recalls his experience with HelpNow: “I’m thankful for the support, the clear information, and for being helped not to freeze in that difficult moment. It was important to know I wasn’t alone. Thanks to you, I didn’t lose time and have already started therapy. I truly appreciate your work, compassion, and dedication.”

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HelpNow HIV Netherlands

Maryna’s story: from anxiety to confidence

Maryna (name changed) is a young woman from Ukraine who recently moved to Leipzig. Like many others, she was forced to leave her home because of the war. Before traveling to Germany, she reached out to the HelpNow service, which she learned about from friends who had also received support there. “I was really anxious before the move. I had so many questions — how I would access treatment, where to go, what documents I would need. I’m so glad my friends shared your contact information with me.”

The HelpNow team provided Maryna with detailed information: where in Leipzig she could access ART, what documents were required to register and begin treatment in a new country, and what challenges she might face during the first few months. Thanks to this, Maryna felt much more at ease. “Everything was explained to me very clearly. I learned exactly where to go and what paperwork to prepare. They advised me to bring a supply of my medication. That gave me a sense of control. For the first time in a long while, I could finally exhale.”

After arriving in Leipzig, she went to a local clinic, where she received help with the necessary formalities and continued her ART. “I’ve already done all the tests, received the medication I need, and I feel stable and free from unnecessary stress. I even started a free language course.”

Maryna emphasizes that this support helped her adapt faster and more calmly. “If it weren’t for this help, everything would’ve been so much harder. Now I feel confident and I’m slowly starting to move forward. Of course, not everyone thinks ahead about these things before moving — many just assume they’ll figure it out somehow. But it’s so much better to have a clear understanding of what to expect and to be prepared. Thanks to the HelpNow service, that was possible — and I’m truly grateful!”

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“I Am Not Alone”: Oksana’s Journey of Support, Acceptance, and a New Beginning

Oksana (name changed) reached out to a consultant from the HelpNow HUB Foundation as part of the From Heart to Heart project during a very difficult period in her life. She learned that her first husband had died from AIDS, which was a severe shock for her. To find out her own status, she ordered an HIV test, took it — and the result came back positive.

During this challenging time, Oksana received all the necessary information and support:
“I am sincerely grateful to your organization for the support and care. During this difficult period, you provided me not only with psychological help but also with the strength to move forward. Thank you for your warm words, understanding, and for making me feel that I am not alone.”

The consultant helped Oksana find a laboratory in Poland where she could confirm the test. After completing the tests and receiving official confirmation, she was scheduled for a doctor’s appointment. At the medical center, she quickly underwent the necessary examinations — CD4 count and viral load — and just a week after the tests, Oksana began effective therapy.

“Special thanks to you for the reliable information about treatment and testing, for explaining everything honestly, openly, and without judgment. This is very important.”
Oksana also took care of her child’s health by testing them for HIV — the consultant sent her the appropriate test kits. The result was negative.

“Thank you for referring me for tests and for accompanying me every step of the way. Thanks to you, I was able to take important steps toward acceptance and self-care. You are incredible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

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HIV Poland