Oleksii (name changed) is a young man living in Kharkiv. Despite the war, shelling, and constant sense of danger, he maintains contact with his friends. “We try to stick together,” he says. “We support each other, share news, and tell each other where help is available — especially when things get financially critical.”
That’s how Oleksii learned about local LGBTIQ+ organizations and activist Vasyl, who coordinates the VirusOFF emergency response project supported by “ViiV Healthcare Positive Action” in Kharkiv. Oleksii had previously received food and hygiene products through the program. But this time, the help turned out to be truly life-saving.
“I had known for a long time that I had hepatitis B, but I was too afraid to see a doctor. Fear, lack of money, uncertainty… it all held me back,” he admits. After talking to Vasyl, who encouraged him to get tested through VirusOFF, Oleksii finally decided to take a step toward treatment.
He accessed the state program for hepatitis B treatment, and VirusOFF covered the costs of the required diagnostic tests. “It was a real chance. I was so relieved — I went straight to the doctor, got all the tests done, and now I’m receiving the medical care I need,” Oleksii shares.
For him, this support symbolized care and solidarity in the hardest of times. “It’s more than just money — it’s my health,” he says.
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.