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.
