This winter, a young man from Ukraine contacted the Estonian Network of People Living with HIV (EHPV). He was waiting for his wife and small child to arrive. The family was living with HIV and needed safe access to treatment, medical accompaniment, and support in a new country.

Within RefAid BaltHUB, the team helped organise the family’s arrival in Tallinn, accompanied them to infectious disease specialists, and supported them in accessing medical care. Special attention was given to the child, who received the necessary examinations, care, and treatment.

But support did not stop with medicine. The family also received help with documents, temporary protection, communication with state institutions, social issues, food cards, and baby care items. Thanks to partners from “Teplo Serdets,” a stroller was also purchased for the baby.

Today, the family is gradually beginning a new life. They are supported by the EHPV team from Tallinn and Tartu: medical consultants, peer counsellors, social workers, and psychologists.

This story is a reminder that support is not only about medicines and documents. It is also about trust, human care, safety, and the feeling that no one has to go through difficult moments alone.

This comprehensive support was made possible within RefAid BaltHUB, implemented with the support of the Government of Switzerland.

This story has been anonymised to protect the family’s confidentiality.