When people are forced to leave their homes and adapt to life in a new country, they may face many challenges at once: documents, housing, employment, healthcare, language barriers, social isolation, and uncertainty about the future.

For people living with HIV, these challenges can be even more complex.

Displacement can interrupt access to regular medical care, treatment, testing, and trusted support systems. A person may not know where to continue treatment, how to contact a doctor, which services are available, or whether their HIV status will remain confidential when asking for help.

This is why an HIV-sensitive approach is essential in refugee support.

An HIV-sensitive approach means recognising that people living with HIV may face additional barriers — not only medical, but also social and emotional. These barriers can include stigma, fear of disclosure, discrimination, lack of clear information, and uncertainty about how to access services safely.

For someone who has recently arrived in a new country, even one unanswered question can delay access to care: Where can I get treatment? Will I have to explain my status to many people? Is testing confidential? What happens if I run out of medication? Can I ask for help without being judged?

Support must respond to these concerns with respect, clarity, and confidentiality.

HIV-sensitive support includes access to understandable information, safe referrals, accompaniment when needed, and help navigating healthcare and social services. It also means creating an environment where people can speak openly about their needs without fear of stigma or judgement.

Confidentiality is especially important. For people living with HIV, the fear that personal information may be disclosed can become a serious barrier to seeking help. Support services must protect privacy and make it clear how information is used, who has access to it, and what steps will follow.

Within RefAid BaltHUB, we believe that support should be not only available, but also safe and dignified. This means seeing the whole person — their health needs, emotional state, social situation, and right to make informed decisions about their life and care.

An HIV-sensitive approach is not an additional option. It is part of quality, respectful, and effective support for people in vulnerable situations.

If you need information about HIV, treatment, testing, or access to healthcare services, reach out for support.

No one should have to navigate HIV-related questions, treatment, or stigma alone.