Ivano-Frankivsk is one of the cities that has received thousands of internally displaced persons since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. But have they all truly found shelter and support here? Especially those who are part of the LGBTIQ+ community, women living with HIV, or people who use psychoactive substances. The system is often unprepared, structures are downsizing, and social services don’t always see the person behind an official status—someone in urgent need of help.
In this vacuum, “living support points” remain—people who hold communities together and create safe spaces through their own efforts. Yulia Knyazyuk is one of them. An activist, and our consultant for the VirusOFF emergency aid project funded by ViiV Healthcare Positive Action, and a representative of the charitable organization “Positive Women.”
Everyone in Ivano-Frankivsk who has ever sought help without knowing whom to turn to knows her. She doesn’t just work with vulnerable groups—she builds support systems, survival routes, and trust.
In this interview, Yulia shares how the map of needs has changed during the war, why support is now critical, and what real, non-scheduled, on-the-ground help looks like.
Yulia, how did you get involved in the VirusOFF emergency aid project? Was it personal motivation or an invitation?
— I’ve known Oksana Dobroskok (VirusOFF emergency aid project coordinator, funded by ViiV Healthcare Positive Action – VirusOFF note) for a long time, since I worked in HIV/AIDS prevention in Ivano-Frankivsk. I attended various events, and we first met at a conference. Later, we closely collaborated—Oksana helped mobilize the community, and we even implemented grants through an initiative group. So, we were always in touch.
When the full-scale invasion began in 2022, Oksana called and said there was a big need for community involvement. That’s how I joined the project. I’m very grateful to her. She’s someone it’s easy to work with. And my personal motivation is strong because this project has provided real help to many.
In her interview, Oksana said you’re a “universal consultant” because you support representatives of various key communities. And all this while still working at your main job. Tell us more about the organization you work with.
— Thanks to Oksana for her kind words. The reality is, there aren’t many places in Ivano-Frankivsk where community representatives can turn for help. One such place is the charitable foundation “Positive Women,” where I’ve been working since 2019. It’s created for and focused on women living with or vulnerable to HIV. “Positive Women” is a nationwide organization—we have representatives in every region. So, when someone from the community relocates (which is common now), women often pass information through “warm contacts,” saying: “In Frankivsk, contact Yulia.”
I meet with the person, explain about the shelter, provide consultations, and refer them for ART therapy if needed. Our organization communicates very tightly—we work fast.
In 2022, we even met evacuees off trains and immediately helped them settle. People had no idea where to go and would stand for hours in coordination centers. But with us, it was all “hand to hand.” A woman would arrive and already know: she’d be housed, fed, and given essentials.
Also, I have extensive experience in HIV prevention, so I continue working with the LGBTIQ+ community, sex workers, and women who use psychoactive substances.
Comparing before 2022 and now, how have the needs of the community changed?
— Needs are increasing. But support, on the contrary, is decreasing. This year things got even worse because donors are cutting funding. We’re urgently restructuring our work, but it severely affects our clients.
We have people without basic means of survival, living in donor-funded shelters with uncertain futures. Many are living with disabilities, HIV, or drug dependency. Employment isn’t even an option—they’re physically unable.
Some women need constant medical care after surgeries, and medicine prices are rising. Or single mothers—recently we helped a baby who urgently needed formula. The mother had no money. Thanks to VirusOFF, we were able to buy it—everyone was so happy we could respond quickly. Through the project, I can even send help to other regions. That’s extremely important.
In your opinion, how has the project evolved over the past three years? What has been preserved, and what changed?
— The team’s collaboration has only improved. We can talk about tough things and celebrate victories. We share everything and are very mobile. Need a call? We call. Need a meeting? We meet. The team has grown stronger.
In 2023, we finally met in person in Kyiv—it was incredible! We could finally talk about everything face to face. It was very meaningful and necessary.
What challenges do you face with online or remote work?
— Honestly, we’ve built communication quite well. Our approach is flexible and people-centered. We discuss needs together and resolve things right away.
Do you have examples of people returning to ART or starting substitution therapy thanks to the project?
— Yes. Before 2022, I led a support group for women with HIV. Many fled after the war began. Only a few remained. I started informing doctors, infectious disease specialists, and shelters about the VirusOFF project. I quickly gathered new members. We restarted the support groups—and these women are still with us, three years later. They now help new members adapt.
We also educate people about their rights. I ask if they’re being asked for bribes or denied services. Many don’t understand that this is discrimination.
For example, one woman’s surgery was canceled when she disclosed her HIV status. She was told there were no materials, and she believed it. She didn’t understand she was being discriminated against.
We teach people how to file complaints and call the National Health Service hotline. Many successfully defend their rights now. The VirusOFF project contributes here. I meet people while giving aid, and from there begins their journey: counseling, group work, legal advocacy.
Some had ART meds but were afraid to contact local doctors due to myths. After hearing real stories from other group members—many of whom have been in treatment for 10 years—they started treatment again. That’s the real impact—not through pressure, but through trust and example.
What myths circulate about Ivano-Frankivsk and the local healthcare system?
— Many. They say services aren’t provided here, that people living with HIV are treated with contempt, that you have to pay bribes or could be kicked out of the hospital. People are afraid—especially newcomers. But when they hear real stories from those who have doctor support and are in long-term treatment—they calm down.
We work closely with healthcare institutions. We know which doctors work where and how they react. There’s progress, but also problems. Sometimes we have to step in directly and speak with management.
Is there anything specific about Ivano-Frankivsk regarding other communities—like LGBTIQ+ or sex workers?
— Unfortunately, the city has a very religious environment. Many live double lives. They can’t openly express their identity, even if they work in local government. Some tell me: “I’ll work with you, but in the shadows—otherwise I’ll lose everything.” There are no public LGBTIQ+ events. If someone organizes something—it might get disrupted. There’s even a risk of physical violence.
Sex workers are also in the shadows. They’re outside the law. Many are afraid to attend groups. Often, they come once, receive a service, and leave. They say, “Better I go to a private clinic than talk about my problems and face judgment.”
As for people living with HIV—there’s been progress. We have access to hospital coordination councils. I gather women’s requests and bring them to the council. Sometimes I do it quarterly, as nothing changes—but I keep going.
One example—baby formula for mothers with HIV. The state was supposed to purchase it but didn’t in 2022–2023 because of humanitarian aid. In 2024 that aid ended, and still nothing changed. We raised the alarm. Eventually, it was purchased—not enough and not suitable for all babies, but still something. That was the result of community advocacy.
On a personal level, what resources do you lack?
— I don’t like talking about my own needs. But honestly—our team could really use a retreat. Semi-work, semi-recovery. It restores strength. I’m grateful to have a job, but with funding cuts, I’m not sure what’s next. Still, we keep going—because it’s needed.
If you were face-to-face with donor representatives, how would you answer the question: what do people who seek help truly need?
— The simplest and most accurate answer—ask the community themselves. They’ll tell you: if the current resources are taken away, the situation will become critical. You must listen to those this help is meant for.
You have to understand the Ukrainian context. We’re in a state of war. Yes, we support the military, but there are also vulnerable, sick, displaced people who are completely overlooked by the state. This affects epidemics, and broader security. If someone has no food or shelter, they won’t think about pills, treatment, or the healthcare system. Projects like ours—those that adapt to specific situations—truly keep communities afloat.
We need donors to care. Not just review reports, but come visit and listen. We can organize conversations with real people. They’ll tell you everything. No sugarcoating. Just as it is.
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.