Now Svitlana is an HIV peer consultant in Estonia. But until last year, she, like many Ukrainians, lived with her family at home in the Cherkasy region and did not plan to move to another country. After several months of war and much thought, the woman supported her husband’s decision to go to Narva (he is from there). However, the Ukrainian border guards did not release the man, although he was not liable for military service. Svitlana had no choice but to move on with the child herself. So they got to Tallinn.

At home, our heroine has been taking ART since 2017 and had therapy for 3 months at the time of her departure to the country. However, already after the first 30 days, she decided to undergo an initial medical examination at the clinic, where she spoke about the need to continue treatment. She was given a referral to an infectious disease specialist, the queue for whom was … 6 (!) months ahead. “I confess that I was in despair when I heard this news. I couldn’t wait, I just didn’t have so much time. In the refugee center, I saw a leaflet about helping people living with HIV and decided to make a call to the indicated contacts. After that, the Estonian Network of People Living with HIV contacted me the same day. I told them where am I from, and about my situation. And thanks to their care, in the same month I got an appointment with an infectious disease specialist. I was given therapy for 3 months, there was no interruption, they did tests – everything was ok. Moreover, the Network offered me to work as a peer consultant, for which I am extremely grateful! Thank you for your understanding, help, and support. It means so much!»