Maksym (name changed) lives in Kharkiv with his partner. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, they have tried to manage on their own — working, saving, and not relying on humanitarian aid. “We were getting by, even with skyrocketing prices,” Maksym recalls.
But over time, his health began to deteriorate. “I thought it was just stress, exhaustion, or aging. Doctors only offered symptomatic treatment, but I wasn’t getting any better,” he says. The need for further tests — and their cost — pushed him to seek help.
In the fall, the couple reached out to activist Vasyl, known for his work in HIV prevention and testing. “We had never been tested before, but we realized it was time to take our health seriously,” Maksym explains.
The results came back positive. With Vasyl’s support, Maksym immediately connected with infectious disease doctors at a specialized facility in Kharkiv. The VirusOFF emergency aid project, supported by ViiV Healthcare Positive Action, covered the cost of essential diagnostics and guided him through the process of confirming his diagnosis.
“I received more support than I expected. It wasn’t just about money — it was about care, empathy, and knowing I wasn’t alone,” Maksym says.
His health is now improving, and he considers asking for help a turning point. “It’s not shameful — it’s about taking care of yourself. And I’m grateful that the right people were there when I needed them.”
This material was prepared as part of the VirusOFF Emergency Response Project supported by ViiV Healthcare Positive Action. The project has been operating since march 2022, providing emergency humanitarian and social support through the VirusOFF platform to representatives of HIV key populations and grassroots organizations. To date, more than 1,500 community members have already received assistance through the project.