On World Tuberculosis Day: why TB remains a critical issue — for the world, for Poland, and for people living with HIV

“Yes! We can End TB. Leadership belongs to the state, and power lies in communities.” This is the most accurate way to describe an effective response to TB today: political will, adequate financing, modern diagnostics, uninterrupted treatment, and stigma-free services. At the global level, the World TB Day campaign emphasizes: Yes! We can End TB! Led by countries. Powered by people.

Tuberculosis is not a “disease of the past.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2024, 10.7 million people fell ill with TB worldwide, and 1.23 million people died from the disease. Of all new cases, 6.1% were among people living with HIV. WHO also stresses that TB has once again become the leading cause of death from infectious diseases globally.

For people living with HIV, tuberculosis remains one of the most dangerous co-infections. According to WHO, in 2023there were an estimated 662,000 cases of HIV-associated TB worldwide, and 161,000 people living with HIV died from TB; this accounted for about one quarter of all AIDS-related deaths. That is why early HIV testing, timely initiation of ART, and rapid TB diagnosis should not be seen separately, but as parts of one integrated system of care.

Tuberculosis is transmitted through the air and most often affects the lungs, although it can also affect other organs. Active TB often presents with prolonged cough, fever, night sweats, weakness, chest pain, and weight loss. At the same time, in people living with HIV the course of the disease may be atypical, and the risk of progression from latent infection to active disease is higher; therefore, WHO recommends systematic symptom screening and rapid access to diagnostics for people living with HIV.

A modern response to TB is no longer limited to X-ray or microscopy alone. WHO emphasizes the importance of rapid molecular tests as the initial diagnostic tool for people with TB symptoms, and for people living with HIV — a combination of symptom screening, chest radiography, and subsequent microbiological confirmation. The faster the diagnosis is made, the earlier treatment begins and the lower the risk of further transmission.

Poland: TB remains a real problem, although the country is considered low-incidence

According to official data from the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases of Poland, in 2024 there were 4,236 TB cases registered in the country, with an incidence rate of 11.3 per 100,000 population. Of these, 4,093 cases were pulmonary TB. There were 3,484 bacteriologically confirmed cases, meaning more than 82% of all registered cases. Mortality in Poland in 2023 was 483 deaths, or 1.3 per 100,000 population.

These figures matter for two reasons. First, they show that TB has not disappeared in Poland: every year, the country still records thousands of cases. Second, even in a country with relatively low overall incidence, there are groups for whom the risk and barriers to care remain disproportionately high — in particular, people living with HIV, people in detention settings, and some migrants and refugees.

The Polish TB Bulletin for 2024 states directly that TB/HIV co-occurrence in Poland remains relatively rare, but not insignificant: in 2024, TB was an AIDS-indicator disease in 20 people living with HIV. This is not a large number in absolute terms, but such cases are of particular clinical importance: they often indicate late HIV diagnosis, interrupted care, or insufficient coverage of prevention and screening.

At the same time, Polish HIV data show that the epidemic situation in the country is dynamic. According to a publication by the National Institute of Public Health and the National AIDS Centre, in 2022 there were 2,604 newly diagnosed HIV cases in Poland, of which 753 were among non-Polish citizens. Data for 2023, published in the abstract of a more recent scientific paper, indicate 2,404 new HIV diagnoses, including 612 among non-Polish citizens. This means that the migration component in Poland’s HIV response has long ceased to be a peripheral issue.

Migrants in Poland: where HIV and TB risks intersect

Separately, the Polish TB Bulletin shows that in 2024, among people diagnosed with TB in Poland, there were 376 foreigners, accounting for 8.9% of all cases. The largest group were people from Ukraine — 229 individuals; overall, TB cases among foreigners were linked to people from 34 countries. For the Polish system, this means a practical need not only for clinical care, but also for translation, system navigation, continuity of treatment across countries, and work to reduce stigma.

At the same time, in publicly available annual sources, Poland reports TB data for foreigners separately and HIV data for non-Polish citizens separately, but does not provide, in the same format, a separate indicator specifically for HIV/TB co-infection among migrants. This does not mean the problem does not exist; it means that a targeted response still requires better, more detailed data. And it is precisely this need for better disaggregated data on TB among refugees and migrants that WHO emphasizes in its special 2024 report.

European data confirm that migration cannot be reduced to the idea of an “imported disease” — the situation is far more complex. The ECDC notes that in 2023, migrants accounted for 47.9% of all new HIV diagnoses in the EU/EEA, and some infections may have occurred after migration. For TB, WHO emphasizes different but related risk mechanisms: legal barriers, poverty, overcrowded housing, unstable access to healthcare, language difficulties, stigma, and interrupted treatment. Therefore, a migrant-oriented response to HIV and TB is not an “additional option,” but part of a modern public health system.

Poland as an example: not only a challenge, but also a solution

In response to the needs of refugees from Ukraine, Poland, with the support of WHO and partners, has begun shifting its TB care model in a more patient-centred direction. WHO describes that in Poland, TB treatment is free of charge for citizens and refugees, and that the model being introduced includes more outpatient and home-based care, video-supported treatment, better coordination between institutions, and reduced stigma associated with prolonged hospitalization. This is especially important for mobile populations, people with chronic conditions, and those who simultaneously need HIV-related services.

It is precisely this approach — people-centred care — that is now considered the key to success. In the WHO 2024 report on TB among refugees and migrants, it is emphasized that effective programmes must be stigma-free, culturally sensitive, migrant-friendly, supported by interpretation services, community support, flexible screening and treatment pathways, and reliable intersectoral coordination. For people living with HIV, this also means integrating services: testing, ART, TB screening, TB preventive treatment, case management, and social support within a single pathway, rather than across several fragmented systems.

What this means in practice — for communities, services, and communication

On World Tuberculosis Day, it is important to speak not only about statistics, but also about action. For the general population, the key message is simple: TB is curable, and early care saves lives. If there is a prolonged cough, fever, night sweats, weakness, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss — it is not worth waiting. For people living with HIV, this message is even more important: regular contact with healthcare services, TB screening, and uninterrupted ART reduce the risk of severe disease.

For services in Poland and for organizations working with migrants (such as the HelpNowHUB Foundation), the main conclusion is different: HIV and TB need to be integrated at the level of the patient pathway. A person should not have to search separately for information, separately for an interpreter, separately for testing, separately for a referral, and separately for social support. The simpler and more humane the entry into the system, the greater the chance that the diagnosis will be made early and treatment will be completed. This is exactly what the “Led by countries. Powered by people.” approach requires. And the HelpNowHUB Foundation fully supports it!

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

HIV Poland TB Tuberculosis

“Support means friends, professionals, and people who have walked this path”: an interview with Oleh Zaitsev, HelpNow HUB representative in Kraków

When we talk about forced migration, the word “adaptation” comes up a lot. But behind it are very specific things: electricity, internet, work, safety, the ability to stay useful, and to keep in touch with Ukraine. Oleh Zaitsev is the HelpNow HUB representative in Kraków and a two-time internally displaced person who has traveled the road from Luhansk to the Kyiv region and later to Poland. He has worked for many years in the social sector and in HIV services, and today he helps the Ukrainian community abroad navigate support systems and avoid being left alone with barriers.

We spoke with Oleh about two displacements, choosing Kraków, working during blackouts, barriers migrants face in Poland, and what matters most for someone who has just learned their HIV status.

— Oleh, could you briefly tell us where you’re from, how you ended up in Poland, when, and why Kraków?
— First of all, I’ve been an IDP twice. I’m originally from Luhansk, so this is my second displacement.
I came to Poland at the end of 2022—during the first major blackouts in Ukraine. I was living near Kyiv and working on Ukrainian contracts. When the power went out, mobile service and the internet went out with it—basically everything. And with a private house, if there’s no electricity, there’s no heating, water, or sewage either. I had to keep working, and that became the key reason for moving.
Why Kraków? Because it’s the closest large city to Ukraine. I often needed to travel to Ukraine for work, and in 2022 the connections weren’t as well organized yet. Warsaw is far, while Kraków was the best logistical choice.

— You mentioned you’ve been displaced twice. How did your first internal displacement happen?
— It happened gradually. Back in 2013, I started traveling, looking around, searching for work in Kyiv. And in 2014, when everything became clear, the decision was finalized: I would live in territory controlled by Ukraine. That’s when I made the final move to Kyiv.
That was also when I began working in HIV services.

— Did you have experience in the civic sector before that?
— Yes. My first experience in NGOs was back in 2004—at a Luhansk regional children’s community organization. Then came another major chapter: I worked in children’s camps for more than 10 years, and for six years I worked at a school.

— In what role?
— A school activities coordinator. Today they’d call it an event manager. (smiles)

— When you moved to Kraków, how did adaptation go? What surprised you?
— The move came with a feeling of “temporariness.” We agreed with the landlady on a six-month lease—and throughout that time we lived with the thought: “tomorrow we pack up and go home.” Because of that, I didn’t learn the language, and I didn’t build long-term plans—as if you’re not really here, just “on pause.”

— At that time, were you still working with the NGO “100% Life”?
— Yes, I continued. But one project ended in June 2024. Then there was another one—related to supplying and distributing kits to healthcare facilities and residential institutions. That project ended on March 31, 2025.
After that, there was a pause, and now I have several projects in Ukraine—both humanitarian and social. In parallel, I’m developing my work here in Poland.

— Was there a period when you traveled a lot between Poland and Ukraine?
— Yes. In one of the projects, my task was to travel and check distribution points: how aid was stored and how it was distributed. In six months, I visited around ten regions—from Sumy to Volyn.
It was an exhausting rhythm: 28 days in Ukraine, then back to Poland, then 28 days in Ukraine again. At first it was manageable, but later you catch yourself waking up and not understanding where you are.

— You’ve worked in the social sector for a long time. Why work with key populations and HIV services specifically?
— In 2014, I was rather accidentally invited to try HIV services. I started as a social worker at a community center in Kyiv. Then it grew from there: training, new tasks, different roles. There was a period when I worked outside HIV services but still in NGOs—and later I returned, already in the central office of “100% Life.”
I like that it’s a broad field: development, advocacy, community work, many directions. And it’s always people—communication, new connections. Especially now, when we’ve been scattered across the world, that sense of network and mutual support is particularly valuable.

— From your experience: what barriers do migrants most often face in Poland, and how can they overcome them?
— In Poland, the key barriers are language and legislation. My advice is simple: look for organizations that understand the field and can guide you correctly. There are truly many organizations in Poland, and what’s important—information about HIV testing can even be seen in Ukrainian on public transport; there are announcements and voice messages. So “entry points” do exist—it’s important to use them.
If we talk about internal displacement within Ukraine, one of the first challenges is finding an infectious disease doctor in the city you arrive in. Plus access to medication and understanding where things are available, because the situation changes and it’s hard to “track” consistently.

— And what would you advise someone who has just learned their HIV status? How can they get through the acceptance stage?
— First, it’s important to remember: everyone reacts differently. But my basic recommendation is to reach out to a psychologist. And second, to find peer-support groups—the “peer-to-peer” community. Even if there is no psychologist, real people who live with it are a huge support.
It’s also important to have “your people” nearby—friends, loved ones, relatives who don’t dismiss you and aren’t afraid. Without support, it’s much harder to get through it.

— You raise the issue of stigma and prejudice. What do Ukrainians encounter in Poland?
— Sometimes it hurts to hear the narrative that “Ukrainians brought an epidemic.” It’s bitter, because in reality a lot depends on testing: if there’s little testing, there’s little detection. That’s how it works everywhere.
There’s another point: in Poland, testing isn’t always offered automatically—sometimes you have to insist and ask. Without that, the problem becomes “invisible,” and then myths and accusations are easily born.

— What are your professional and personal plans for the coming year?
— Professionally, I want to better understand how Poland’s healthcare system works, how the sector and foundations operate, and how rules and processes differ. I want to understand the system better so I can provide higher-quality consultations.
Personally, I want more stability and a clearer sense of “rooting” here. Right now, there’s a lot of mixed environments, different communities, many overlapping processes. And I want to be effective in my new role—as a consultant and as the HelpNow HUB representative in Kraków.

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

HelpNow HIV Poland

As you feel: Olena’s story about the power of art therapy

“When we hear the word art therapy, the first thought that comes to mind is that it’s just something for children. I wasn’t an exception — at first, I was very skeptical,” recalls Olena (name changed), a client sharing her experience of working with psychologist Maryna.
She admits that she agreed to the online sessions more out of curiosity than belief in any real outcome. But after just a few meetings, she realized that even remotely, the method has a powerful effect. “Through the process, I saw the results for myself — it really works,” she says.

Before that, Olena knew very little about art therapy. “We hadn’t heard much about this approach, because it only became an official healing strategy in 1940 — recognized for its effective impact on the mental well-being of adults as well,” she explains. For her, this was an important discovery: art therapy isn’t just ‘drawing to relax,’ but a full-fledged psychotherapeutic method.

The online sessions with Maryna turned out to be a much deeper experience than she expected. “Working with Maryna wasn’t about drawing a picture or making a collage — it was a deep process of focusing on my feelings and imagination,” Olena shares. It turned out that even through a screen, it’s possible to create an atmosphere of trust and openness — where real change can happen.

“She changed my perception of what it means to create — to do it as you feel,” Olena smiles. According to her, this helped her release tension, allow herself to be honest, and accept her emotions without judgment.

Olena also gratefully recalls the team that helped her find her specialist and have an experience that became much more than just online meetings — a journey toward deeper self-understanding through art, color, imagination, and trust:
“I’m grateful to the HelpNowHUB Fundacja team for connecting me with the practitioner who worked so flexibly with my needs.”

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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.

HelpNow Poland

A matter of life: why HIV testing remains a challenge in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe

An HIV test is not just a medical procedure. It is a moment of truth that can change a life, save health, and protect others. Yet in Poland and across Central and Eastern Europe, this truth often comes too late. And this is not a statistical accident, but a result of fear, stigma, and insufficient attention from both the state and society.

In Poland, the HIV situation has sharply worsened over the past two years. According to the National Institute of Public Health, in 2023 there were 2,876 new HIV cases—the highest number ever recorded. By comparison, in 2021 there were just over 1,400 cases. The increase over two years is nearly double. Particularly alarming is the growing number of people diagnosed who have lived with the virus for a long time without knowing it. In 2023 alone, 165 people were diagnosed with AIDS simultaneously with HIV detection —50% more than the previous year. At the same time, only about 10% of Poland’s adult population has ever been tested for HIV.

More than two-thirds of new cases are among men, most often aged 30 to 39. However, the proportion of women is increasing—about 21% of new diagnoses in 2023. And this issue is not unique to Poland. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), in 2023 there were 113,000 new HIV diagnoses in the European region, and 52% of them were detected too late, at a stage of severe immune system weakening. In Central and Eastern European countries, this figure is even higher, especially among heterosexual men and people over 40. Approximately 17% of all people living with HIV in the region do not know their status.

Late diagnosis not only means worse prognoses but also a higher risk of mortality. Studies show that among patients diagnosed late, the death rate is 37.8%, while among those diagnosed early it is only 13.3%. But behind these numbers lies more than medicine. These are stories of fear, stigma, social isolation, and distrust of doctors.

“We see that the fear of knowing the truth is still stronger than the desire to protect oneself and loved ones,” says AnnaAriabinska, Director of Fundacja HelpNowHUB. “Our project ‘We Are Different – We Are Equal!’ creates a safe space for those who fear judgment. We say: a test is not a sentence. It is a chance at life.”

The project “We Are Different – We Are Equal!”, implemented by Fundacja HelpNowHUB with the support of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and AHF Poland, is aimed at supporting people in vulnerable situations: migrants, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The project team organizes free and anonymous HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis testing in Polish cities—from Warsaw and Białystok to Bydgoszcz. In addition to medical services, the project provides psychological, legal, and social support, teaches how to access treatment, and helps overcome barriers in healthcare.

A detailed schedule is available by phone: +48 786 640 460 or +48 575 023 612
or via the social media of Fundacja HelpNow HUB.AnnaAriabinska emphasizes: “Equality is not a slogan. It is our daily work. We fight so that everyone can take a test calmly, without fear, without shame. One test can save a life—and often does!

HIV Poland Testing

Life without interruption: Yulia’s story of resuming therapy in Poland

Yulia (name changed) reached out for help after already having a one-month break in her treatment. Previously, she received her therapy from Ukraine — friends either sent or brought her medication. But over time, this option was no longer available. Yulia kept waiting, hoping that someone might deliver the medicine, but the days passed, and the treatment gap continued. That was when she called a HelpNowHUB consultant.

The consultant explained to Yulia that it is important not only to have access to medication but also to undergo regular check-ups: monitoring viral load, CD4 levels, biochemical tests, and other essential indicators. She encouraged Yulia to register for care in Poland to ensure uninterrupted access to treatment.

Yulia filled out the required forms for the Center for Public Health, sent them, and received a copy of her medical record. The HelpNowHUB consultant helped her schedule an appointment with a doctor and prepared a detailed route on how to get from her town to the HIV counseling center. On the day of the visit, the consultant supported Yulia over the phone — from the bus stop all the way to the clinic doors, and even on her way back when she got a little lost again.

Today, Yulia has already received her therapy and the date for her next tests. She started taking her medication on the very first day. After she undergoes lab tests next month, she will be given a three-month supply of medication. This means there will be no more interruptions in her treatment. Moreover, Yulia listed the consultant as her contact person so that in the future, if needed, she could collect the therapy on her behalf and send it by mail. This will save Yulia time and help her avoid difficulties at work.

“I feel confident again. Now I know that I am not left alone with my diagnosis and that support is always there,” says Yulia.

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This 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.

HIV Poland

The path to therapy and a new life: Maryna’s story

Maryna (name changed) arrived in Poland with her three children, fleeing the war. She lives in a small village, far from the city and specialized clinics. Her HIV status was a taboo subject for her—she feared that neighbors or locals would find out. “I felt so ashamed and scared. I didn’t know how to tell people that I needed to go to the hospital specifically because of HIV. I thought they would judge me and turn away from me,” Maryna shares.

A year ago, she reached out for the first time to consultants from the HelpNowHUB Foundation to register and access HIV treatment in Poland. The road was long and difficult: constant obstacles—her children’s illnesses, her own health problems, fear, and not knowing how to get to the hospital.

The HelpNowHUB specialists didn’t give up: they scheduled Maryna’s appointments four times, called her, supported her, and explained step by step what needed to be done. “They supported me even when I no longer believed I could make it. The consultant stayed with me over the phone, kept registering me again and again, and explained everything to the reception desk for me,” Maryna recalls.

The turning point came when Maryna decided to open up to local Poles who sometimes helped her with transportation. She found the courage to tell them about her status—and received not judgment, but support. “They listened to me and said, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll help.’ They drove me to the clinic and even arranged a car for the way back. That was unexpected and very important to me,” she says.

During the visit, a HelpNowHUB consultant accompanied Maryna remotely: helped her at the reception and oversaw every step. As a result, Maryna underwent medical tests, had an X-ray (due to a past tuberculosis infection), and received medication for two months. “Since yesterday, I’ve been taking Polish therapy. I’m registered. This is a huge step for me,” Maryna says.

Her decision to take care of her health was also strengthened by personal tragedy: her husband in Ukraine, who also lived with HIV but never sought treatment, passed away. Now Maryna is waiting for her next appointment in October to receive her test results and continue therapy. She admits that without HelpNowHUB’s support, she might never have dared to take this step. “Without the Foundation, I wouldn’t have managed—thank you!” Maryna shares.

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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.

HIV Poland

“We are different – we are equal!”: Fundacja HelpNow launches a social project to support vulnerable groups in Poland

Women, people with disabilities, migrants, and those in need of support — these are the groups targeted by the new project “We are different – we are equal!”, implemented by Fundacja HelpNow HUB with financial support from AIDS Healthcare Foundation and AHF Poland. The initiative has been running for over two months in five Polish cities: Warsaw, Bydgoszcz, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Białystok.

“We want every person — regardless of their background, health status, or life circumstances — to feel safe, to have access to quality information, medical care, and support. Equality is not a slogan, it’s our daily work,” emphasizes Anna Ariabinska, Director of Fundacja HelpNow HUB.

The project includes a range of activities in educational, medical, and psychological areas. Among the planned initiatives are five 12-hour WenDo training sessions, in which 60 women from five Polish cities will participate. WenDo is a self-defense method designed specifically for women.

“WenDo training is not just about physical protection. It’s about confidence, asserting your boundaries, and the power to be yourself,” adds Ariabinska.

The project also provides consultations on HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, as well as support for social adaptation and legal aid. Free, anonymous HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis testing with pre- and post-test counseling is regularly carried out in Bydgoszcz and Białystok. Psychological support is also available to the project team.

According to recent data, 2,876 new cases of HIV were recorded in Poland in 2023 — the highest number ever registered. For comparison, just a few years ago, the average was around 1,000 cases per year. The number of infections among foreigners is growing particularly rapidly — 753 cases were registered in 2022, three times more than in 2021. Women account for about 20–21% of new HIV cases in Poland, and this number is slowly increasing. A significant portion of women are diagnosed at late stages, which complicates treatment and increases the risk of complications.

“A single test can change or even save a life. We want people not to fear the truth. Modern medicine allows people with HIV to live fully — the key is knowing your status in time,” stresses the Director of the Foundation.

The goal of “We are different – we are equal!” is to improve access to healthcare services for vulnerable groups, raise awareness about HIV, hepatitis, and other infections, promote a culture of regular testing, provide psychological support, and reduce HIV-related stigma. All of this is aimed at creating a safe environment where every person — regardless of gender, nationality, physical condition, or social status — has equal rights to health, support, and a life of dignity.

The Foundation invites everyone interested to take part in free, quick, and anonymous HIV testing in Bydgoszcz and Białystok. A detailed schedule is available by calling: +48 786 640 460 or +48 575 023 612, or by messaging Fundacja HelpNow HUB on social media.

“We’re not just offering services — we are building a community where everyone has the right to care, health, and a life of dignity!” concludes Anna Ariabinska.

HIV Poland

The freedom to be yourself: Kateryna’s story of resilience, fighting violence, and living with HIV

“I’m a mother of three, a woman with a history of substance use, now 18 years in remission. I live with HIV. And I am a free woman,” says Kateryna (name changed). Her story is one of resilience, responsibility, and the ability to rebuild herself after violence, addiction, and loss.

Kateryna learned about her HIV status in 2005, during her first pregnancy. “There was no PCR testing back then, only antibody tests. But I was immediately registered in Kyiv, received prevention treatment — and my baby was born healthy. Just like my other two children.” Since the beginning, Kateryna has been taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) and has never stopped treatment.

Relocating to Poland didn’t stand in her way: “I took a certificate from home, and initially had six months of ART with me. Then I simply went to a local infectious disease specialist — and that was it. They registered me, gave me the medication. The drugs are different here, but my viral load is undetectable. Everything’s fine. By the way, whenever friends or relatives move abroad, I tell them: contact the HelpNow team — they really do help.”

In Poland, Kateryna works and supports herself and her children. She holds multiple qualifications: medical worker, cosmetologist, and certified psychologist. But her story is not just about living with HIV and maintaining her health. It’s also a story of survival, endurance, and the difficult path of leaving abusive relationships.

Kateryna speaks openly about the years she lived with violence — physical, psychological, sexual and economical. The hardest part, she says, was recognizing how deeply ingrained her fear of being seen as “bad” was in her behavior. “I always tried to be the ‘good girl.’ I did everything myself, carried it all alone. I thought that was my role. And when I started to break away, to stand up for myself — the response was aggression.”

None of her former partners helped after the breakups. “I didn’t file for child support for seven years. I was ashamed. But then I just got angry — and I filed.”

Now, Kateryna is not in a relationship — and that’s a conscious choice. “I don’t see the point in going back to a dynamic where I end up dragging someone along again. If I ever truly want to be with someone, I’ll go to therapy and figure out why.”

Her survival formula is simple: rely on herself. “We don’t need a ‘savior.’ We need resources. If I know I can feed myself — I’m already safe. Everything else can be figured out. Education, financial independence, self-respect — that’s my strength.”

Kateryna’s story is one of deep transformation that begins with being honest with yourself. It’s about a freedom that no longer agrees to stay silent or endure abuse. And a resilience that is born from a simple decision — to stay with yourself and stand up for yourself.

“Everything we need is already within us. We just have to give ourselves permission to lean on it.”

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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.

HIV Poland Violence

“I Am Not Alone”: Oksana’s Journey of Support, Acceptance, and a New Beginning

Oksana (name changed) reached out to a consultant from the HelpNow HUB Foundation as part of the From Heart to Heart project during a very difficult period in her life. She learned that her first husband had died from AIDS, which was a severe shock for her. To find out her own status, she ordered an HIV test, took it — and the result came back positive.

During this challenging time, Oksana received all the necessary information and support:
“I am sincerely grateful to your organization for the support and care. During this difficult period, you provided me not only with psychological help but also with the strength to move forward. Thank you for your warm words, understanding, and for making me feel that I am not alone.”

The consultant helped Oksana find a laboratory in Poland where she could confirm the test. After completing the tests and receiving official confirmation, she was scheduled for a doctor’s appointment. At the medical center, she quickly underwent the necessary examinations — CD4 count and viral load — and just a week after the tests, Oksana began effective therapy.

“Special thanks to you for the reliable information about treatment and testing, for explaining everything honestly, openly, and without judgment. This is very important.”
Oksana also took care of her child’s health by testing them for HIV — the consultant sent her the appropriate test kits. The result was negative.

“Thank you for referring me for tests and for accompanying me every step of the way. Thanks to you, I was able to take important steps toward acceptance and self-care. You are incredible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

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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.


HIV Poland