This chapter is about what happens when two crises—HIV and war—collide. Ukraine has one of the largest HIV epidemics in the world, driven largely by the prevalence of injecting drug use. UNAIDS reports that 260,000 people in Ukraine are currently living with HIV. They also estimate that up to 30,000 fled their country since the start of the war and need HIV treatment. According to UNAIDS, “Interrupting treatment, even temporarily, can lead to drug resistance and increased risk of progression to AIDS.” Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, thus put all Ukrainians, and especially those living with HIV, in double peril.
From November 15-19, 2023, Through Positive Eyes gathered together eight Ukrainians in the relative safety of Berlin for a photo-storytelling workshop. The group of artivists (arts-activists) continued working over Zoom for 6 months, culminating in an art exhibition and live storytelling at the July 2024 International AIDS Conference in Munich. The accompanying Eyes on Ukraine documentary is also being previewed around the world.
Kristina
I was always scared I would end up alone. When I was 11, my parents, who had troubles with alcohol, sent me to my grandmother's house for summer holidays.I never came home. My parents left me to live …
Liza
I am Liza, a 19-year-old Kyiv native, and my life's journey is a tapestry woven with threads of adversity and resilience. Growing up was far from ordinary. For the first six years, I lived with both …
Mariia
A shot, a rocket whistle, and sudden silence marked the moment that fractured our world. In the aftermath, the roof of our home was torn away, revealing a sliver of sky. The world fell into a …
Rostek
War is more than bullets and missiles. It’s propaganda and misinformation. It’s the loss of family and social ties. It’s psychological trauma. I seek healing while receiving news every day that …
Stefa
I used to imagine myself confined within a cage, hiding my truth, but now I have revealed it to the world and feel like a bird flying in the sky. One evening, a year ago, I shared my childhood and …
Vadym
My name is Vadym, and I am from Kyiv, Ukraine. Because of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I now live in Germany. My childhood was a stormy one. I grew up with three brothers, but it always …
Yana
When I was 18 years old, I got my first tattoo. It says, "I want to break free." These are the words of Freddie Mercury. The inscription symbolizes my journey as an HIV-positive activist. It also …
Yehor
My name is Yehor, and I’m from Kryvyi Rih. My early childhood was carefree and joyful. At six, I found myself riding a motorcycle with my grandfather behind me, helping shift gears. My summer days …
Supporters
Funding is provided by the Herb Ritts Foundation, with support and cooperation from UNAIDS.