A new beginning: Serhii’s story in Spain

“My life hasn’t been easy. For a long time, I struggled with addiction, and substitution therapy became what helped me not to lose myself,” says Serhii (name changed).

In Ukraine, he was registered and receiving treatment, but when he moved to Spain, he found himself in a new country without acquaintances or support. “It was hard to understand where to turn. I didn’t know how to continue therapy or where to find the right specialists. And all this while looking for a job, housing… everything at once.” That’s when he heard about the HelpNow service. “I got the contact of a clinic that was able to continue my treatment and explained how the system works.” Serhii notes that the staff’s attitude towards him was friendly and understanding—that he was in a difficult situation, a foreigner needing help. No judgment, only attention. He points out that now he has a schedule and an understanding of what tomorrow will bring. And that is extremely important.

“For me, the main thing is to keep control over myself and keep moving forward,” Serhii shares. “And substitution therapy is my chance to live without fear. I am very grateful for the support I received on this journey!”

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This publication was prepared within 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.

HelpNow OST Spain

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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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.

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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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.

HelpNow HIV Netherlands