Maryna (name changed) is in the ninth month of her pregnancy. She received timely support thanks to a paralegal from the NGO Positive Women, who visits hospitals monthly to inform women living with HIV about available services and contacts of the regional coordinator of the VirusOFF emergency aid project, funded by ViiV Healthcare Positive Action.
She came to the office and modestly asked if it was possible to receive diapers and infant formula for her upcoming child. During the consultation, it became clear that she had almost nothing prepared for childbirth and newborn care. The organization’s consultant offered to go shopping together, and Maryna received all the essentials: swaddles, diapers, hygiene products, infant formula, a baby blanket, and other items needed for delivery and caring for the baby. She also received counseling on adherence to ART, as she learned about her HIV-positive status during her pregnancy.
Through the VirusOFF emergency aid project, funded by ViiV Healthcare Positive Action, Maryna received all critically needed support. “I am touched and very grateful,” Maryna admits. “Without this help, I would not have been able to provide everything necessary for my child.”
For Maryna, this assistance was not only material support but also an important sign of care and reassurance that she was not facing the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood alone during a difficult time.
This material was prepared as part of the VirusOFF emergency aid project funded by ViiV Healthcare Positive Action. The project has been active since March 2022 and provides emergency humanitarian and social support through the VirusOFF platform to members of key populations affected by HIV, as well as to local organizations. To date, over 1,500 individuals from these communities have received assistance through the project.