HIV is not a sentence, yet many people still do not know it. Others are so ashamed of their illness that they do not tell their relatives about it and do not seek help. It is with them in mind, on the initiative of the Foundation for Social Education, the “Information and assistance helpline for people infected with HIV and their relatives” was established.
At 0 800 14 14 23, infected people are on duty, and on the one hand they are substantively prepared to provide support, and on the other, they know the problem on their own skin.
– For a person who is struggling with the infection, such consultants are more reliable. These people have received training on HIV infection and have extensive experience in telephone support. Not only people who have recently found out about the infection can call, but also those who have lived with the virus for many years – says Dr. Magdalena Ankiersztejn – Bartczak, president of the Foundation for Social Education.
The helpline of the Foundation for Social Education operates from December 29, 2016, every Monday and Wednesday from 16 p.m. to 19 p.m. and on Fridays from 16 p.m. to 20 p.m. (excluding public holidays). The caller only pays for the first impulse. After that, the call is free.
– The project is a response to the needs of people living with HIV who want to talk about their problems, but for various reasons cannot or does not want to do it face to face. Contact with a consultant cannot replace a visit to an infectious disease doctor, but allows you to support the patient in the moment of doubt. Conversation with the person on duty helps you to make responsible decisions about your health and quickly gives answers to questions that cannot wait – said Paweł Mierzejewski, coordinator of the Positively Open Program, which promotes HIV prevention and knowledge.
– Thanks to effective, modern drugs, HIV infection can be treated as a chronic disease today. However, this applies only to people who are under the constant care of a doctor. For others, HIV can still be a lethal threat. I am proud that we can support projects that help infected people make good life decisions – said Michał Kaźmierski, CEO of Gilead Sciences Poland, which supports the “Positively Open” program.
The aim of the Positively Open Program is to educate the public and the sick that it is possible to live normally with the virus. As part of the program, a competition is organized for institutions and people who would like to run or already run programs in the areas of education and activation, as well as HIV / AIDS prevention and diagnosis.