Olena (name changed) arrived in Germany in the spring together with her daughter. In Ukraine, she already knew about her HIV status, was registered for care, and was taking ART as well as substitution therapy. But after moving to one of the largest cities in Bavaria, everything stopped: a different country, new rules, another language.

When her supply of Ukrainian therapy was running out, she turned to the HelpNow service for assistance. They explained to her how to access therapy in her new city of residence — where to go, what documents to show, what to say to the doctors. After receiving a referral to a specialized center, she felt nervous during the visit, but the medical staff treated her with understanding and tolerance.

Olena underwent an examination and now regularly takes her therapy. “Thank you for not leaving me alone with my needs,” says Olena. “Even from afar, your help is extremely important for people.”

***

This publication was prepared within the framework of the project “From heart to heart” in partnership with Zjednoczenie Pozytywni w Tęczy and Step by Step Fundacja, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.