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.