Tag: Ukraine

Treatment within reach, even when home is left behind: Oksana’s story

Requests to the HelpNow service come not only from Ukrainians who have found themselves abroad because of the war. For people who have been forced to relocate to another region of Ukraine, moving to a new city often also means having to find a doctor, a healthcare facility, and a place where they can continue receiving the treatment they need without interruption.

Oksana (name changed), an internally displaced Ukrainian woman living with HIV who requires regular antiretroviral therapy, contacted the service with exactly this kind of request.After being forced to relocate, Oksana found herself in a city that was completely new to her. She had wisely brought her medical documents and records with her and still had a small supply of ART. This meant there was no immediate risk of running out of medication in the next few days. However, she needed to quickly find out where she could continue her treatment.“I had everything with me — my documents, medical records, and some pills left. So there was no panic. But the supply was running out, and I didn’t know exactly where to go here. I wanted to sort it out in advance rather than wait until I was down to my last pill.”Oksana’s doctor gave her the contact details for the HelpNow service. She explained that HelpNow could provide up-to-date information and guidance on how to continue receiving ART after relocation. Oksana submitted a request, and the service team provided her with the necessary information about continuing treatment and the next steps.“It was very helpful that my doctor gave me the contact details right away. I didn’t have to call different places, ask acquaintances for information, or wonder whether what I found was even up to date. I had a specific question and received a specific answer.”Oksana has already taken the next step — she has attended her first appointment at the new healthcare facility. According to her, the anxiety she felt before the visit quickly disappeared: the healthcare professionals were friendly and respectful, the necessary documents were accepted, and arrangements for continuing her treatment were made without unnecessary difficulties.“What I probably remember most is how calm the whole process was. They spoke to me normally, looked through my documents, and explained what would happen next. After everything that comes with relocation, you really appreciate situations where you don’t have to fight for something yet again or prove anything.”For Oksana, this stage is now behind her: she has found a pathway to treatment in her new city, attended her first appointment, and the small supply of medication she brought with her allowed her to get through the transition period without having to rush.Her story is also a reminder that forced displacement within the country does not end when a person finds a new place to live. Alongside housing and everyday arrangements, people often have to re-establish their usual connections with the healthcare system — especially when it comes to treatment that must continue without interruption.“Now I know where to go, and this issue is no longer hanging over me. It may seem like a small thing to someone, but after relocation there are so many of these ‘small things.’ So when even one of them is resolved quickly and with a human touch, it really is a relief. Thank you.”

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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.

“The most important thing is knowing where to turn”: Dmytro’s Story

“When you move to a new city, even ordinary things can suddenly become a challenge. For me, the most important thing was making sure my treatment wasn’t interrupted,” says Dmytro (name changed).

Dmytro is living with HIV and receives antiretroviral therapy (ART). He is also enrolled in opioid substitution therapy (OST). After moving to Kyiv from another Ukrainian city, he faced a challenge familiar to many people in similar circumstances: where to continue his treatment and how to quickly find the right healthcare providers.

“I didn’t know where exactly to go. I had all my medical records and discharge documents with me, but I had no idea where to start or which healthcare facilities provided these services in Kyiv,” Dmytro explains.

During one of his medical appointments, a physician who had previously recommended the service to other patients suggested that he contact HelpNow.

“She told me they would help me find the right contacts and guide me through the process. I submitted my request and received a response very quickly.”

The HelpNow team promptly provided Dmytro with up-to-date information about healthcare facilities where he could continue both his antiretroviral therapy and opioid substitution therapy, while also explaining the next steps.

“I already had all the necessary medical documents with me, so now I’m arranging my registration and enrolling for care. The most important thing is that I now know where to go and what to do next,” he says.

For Dmytro, this consultation became much more than an answer to his questions—it helped him quickly regain confidence after relocating.

“Sometimes all you need is someone to point you in the right direction. It saves time, reduces stress, and helps ensure that treatment continues without interruption. I am very grateful to the HelpNowHUB team for their prompt assistance and support.”

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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.

HelpNow Ukraine

“We Just Want to Be Ourselves”: Nika’s Story from Zaporizhzhia

“I was always taught to be like everyone else. Study hard, don’t argue, don’t draw attention to yourself. Finish school, get a degree, find a job, start a family. Everything was supposed to follow the right path,” says Nika (name changed).

We talked to Nika during Baltic Pride, which took place across the Baltic capitals this June. Today, she lives in Tallinn with her partner. But her story began far from Estonia, in the industrial city of Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine.

“I grew up in an ordinary working family. My parents worked hard and wanted me to have a stable future. I was an excellent student, always trying to meet expectations and do everything right.”

At the same time, even as a teenager, Nika understood that her feelings were different from those of many of her classmates.

“When I was in high school, a girl transferred to our class from another school. We became friends very quickly. We had so much in common and could talk for hours. Little by little, I realized that what I felt for her was more than friendship.”

But she never told her.

“At the time, it felt impossible. I was afraid of being judged, laughed at, or losing her friendship. So I stayed silent.”

A year later, the girl transferred to another school again and moved to a different part of the city. They saw each other less and less, and eventually lost contact.

“It hurt a lot. But I decided to focus on my studies. University was ahead of me, and I thought it was time to move on.”

Life, however, had other plans.

“One day I walked into a lecture hall. There were several student groups attending the same class. And there she was. The same girl. I couldn’t believe it. We had both ended up at the same university.”

This time, Nika decided not to remain silent.

“At some point, I found the courage to tell her how I felt. I still remember how nervous I was. My heart was racing. But she didn’t reject me. She didn’t laugh. She didn’t tell me that something was wrong with me. As it turned out, she felt the same way.”

Their relationship began there.

Together they graduated from university and started making plans for the future. They dreamed of moving to Kyiv, building careers and creating a life together.

“We were ready to start a new chapter. Then the full-scale war began.”

Like millions of Ukrainians, they had to rethink everything.

“There was another challenge as well. My mother accepted the fact that I had a partner, not just a ‘friend.’ That meant a lot to me. But my partner’s parents could not accept our relationship. It became very difficult for both of us.”

Eventually, the couple decided to move to Estonia.

Today, when Nika talks about life in Tallinn, there is a sense of calmness and security in her voice.

“Here, we can be ourselves. It sounds simple, but it means everything. We can hold hands in public without constantly looking over our shoulders. We can attend community events, go to Pride, and simply exist as a couple.”

For Nika, equality is not an abstract political issue. It is something deeply personal.

“People often think that LGBTIQ+ rights are about politics. For me, they are about everyday life. About not having to lie. About not having to invent stories. About being able to say who you love without fear.”

Despite everything, Ukraine remains home.

“Do we want to return? Absolutely. Our friends are there. Our memories are there. Our city is there. But I would like to return to a country where our family is protected not only by understanding from some people, but also by the law.”

Today, Nika and her partner continue to build their lives in Estonia. They work, support one another, and dream about a future where nobody has to choose between home and the freedom to be themselves.

“We are not asking for anything extraordinary. We simply want the same things as everyone else — the chance to love, to live openly, and to build our future together.”

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Estonia HelpNow LGBTIQ+ Ukraine