Continuity of treatment during relocation: Serhii’s story

When Serhii (name changed) began preparing to move from Ukraine to Poland, one of the most important issues for him was continuing opioid substitution therapy (OST). He had been enrolled in an OST programme in Ukraine and understood that moving to another country should not result in an interruption in treatment.

That is why he contacted Fundacja HelpNowHUB for support even before leaving Ukraine.

“I was worried not only about the move itself. I needed to understand which documents to take with me, what to do at the border, how to legalise my stay in Poland afterwards and, most importantly, how not to be left without treatment. It was difficult to figure all of this out on my own.”

A HelpNowHUB consultant supported Serhii from the preparation stage of his journey: she explained which documents he needed to collect and how to proceed when crossing the border so that, after arriving in Poland, he could obtain a PESEL number with UKR status. The support continued throughout every stage of his relocation.

After arriving in Poland, the next practical question arose — how to continue OST as quickly as possible. Obtaining a PESEL number took some time, as the information about the status recorded when crossing the border had to appear in the Polish system. The waiting period could take several working days.

“That gap was what worried me most. You are already in Poland, but you still do not have all your documents. And treatment cannot wait until all the formalities are completed.”

The HelpNowHUB team continued supporting Serhii in Poland: they helped him schedule the necessary appointment, accompanied him when he visited the relevant institution, and clarified in advance the possibility of enrolling him in an opioid substitution therapy programme before he received his PESEL number.

Eventually, all the necessary formalities were resolved. Serhii received a PESEL number with UKR status and was enrolled in an OST programme in Poland. An interruption in the support he needed was avoided.

“For me, the most important thing was knowing that I would not be left alone with this issue. I was supported from the moment I was still preparing my documents in Ukraine until everything had already been arranged here.”

Gradually, other aspects of his new life also began to fall into place. Serhii found a job, which should also provide him with health insurance. For the first month, while his insurance coverage is being arranged, a convenient OST schedule was agreed upon: instead of daily visits, he will attend the programme once a week.

Today, Serhii is legally residing in Poland, working, and continuously receiving the treatment he needs.

“When you move to another country, it feels like you have to deal with dozens of things at the same time: the border, documents, legalisation, treatment, work. Now everything has finally fallen into place. I have my documents, I have a job, and I am continuing my treatment. For me, that means I can finally move forward.”

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This publication was prepared by Fundacją HelpNow HUB within the framework of the project “From heart to heart” in partnership with Fundacja Step by Step and Fundacja Res Humanae, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

OST Poland

Life goes on: Olena’s story of finding therapy in Germany

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.”

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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.

Germany HIV OST

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