When you listen to Andriy (name changed), you will never believe that he was not born in Ukraine – so perfect is his language knowledge and proficiency. But it’s reallytrue: the guy moved to Kyiv only in 2019, for work. Born and raised in Belarus, he has been registered at the local AIDS Center since 2017. After he moved to the Ukrainian capital, he used to go home for ART, he had the extra opportunity to see friends and parents. But with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he had to switch to the Kyiv center (where, as he said, the attitude of staff is very good and professional).

This is how life went on until February 24 Andriy admits that he expected Ukraine’s victory to come sooner, so he stayed in Kyiv until mid-March. But then his bank accounts were blocked as a citizen of Belarus and he lost the opportunity to send financial assistance to his parents. This was the crucial moment. He had to decide quickly.

On March 15, together with friends, Andriy reached Khmelnytsky by car, left them with relatives, and the next day he went to the border with Slovakia (foreign men of conscription age can leave Ukraine). A day later he made it toBerlin, where he is staying now…

Arriving to Germany, Andriy began searching where to get therapy, when he had pills left for only three days. He turned to Deutsche Aidshilfe – on their website he saw information about the HelpNow service and the key groups assistance.

“I contacted this organization and they gave me a list of the nearest centers where I can get a doctor’s consultation and therapy. I called, spoke in English and explained my situation. They listened to me carefully and immediately made an appointment for me with a doctor the next day. When I arrived, the paperwork took an hour, no more. The doctor that came to me, I can describe in one word – “sweetie”: professional, careful. Heasked about everything. It is obvious that he has huge experience behind him. He appointed the second visit in three days, and –gave me the therapy. On the second visit they made a blood test, gave an additional referral to an urologist and ART for a month. Fast, clear, high-quality service. Thank you all for such a humane attitude and for your work!”