On 26–27 September, the Fast Track City Summit 2025 took place in Berlin as part of a global initiative that brings together more than 500 cities worldwide to accelerate the end of the HIV epidemic by 2030.

This year, Ukrainian diaspora organizations were widely represented in the summit’s program. This became the result of active cooperation with German partners and a confirmation of the importance of the Ukrainian community’s voice in the global HIV response.

As part of the summit, a panel discussion “HIV services and support for Ukrainian migrants in Berlin and beyond” was held, organized by “100% Life.Germany” together with PlusUkrDe e.V., in partnership with Deutsche Aidshilfe, and with the participation of KwitneQueer e.V. and Berliner Aids-Hilfe. The discussion was moderated by human rights activist Oleksandra Binert, head of the Alliance of Ukrainian Organizations in Germany. Among the participants were representatives of Ukrainian and German NGOs, doctors, researchers, and members of the Berlin Parliament.

Access to HIV treatment and prevention services remains one of the key conditions for maintaining health and controlling the epidemic. Interruptions in ART treatment are among the greatest challenges in the context of forced migration caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine. This happens both due to occupation and lack of access to services in Ukraine, as well as when people move to new countries and do not know how—or are reluctant—to integrate into local support systems. Representatives of “100% Life”, the largest patient organization in Ukraine, highlighted this issue.

Despite Germany’s advanced medical system, a number of barriers hinder the integration of Ukrainian patients into local support services. These challenges often stem from a lack of knowledge of their rights, how to act, and where to turn for help. Experts highlight difficulties on several levels:

Individual level:

• lack of documents among vulnerable groups of Ukrainians; absence of health insurance (e.g., if a person is not receiving social assistance through Job Center);
• language barriers that make communication with doctors and service providers difficult;
• lack of patient awareness about available services and rights; myths about HIV;
• deterioration of mental health due to war, forced migration, and uncertainty about the future.

Systemic level:

• unequal access to infrastructure outside major cities;
• slow recognition of Ukrainian medical diplomas;
• bias among some Russian-speaking doctors and cases of homophobia.

Global level:

• global instability due to underfunding of health programs and the threat of closing UNAIDS, the main body coordinating global HIV policies and initiatives;
• risk of losing services and reduced support for community organizations.

“For us, as the representation of the largest patient organization in Ukraine, it is crucial to maintain connection with patients. Ukrainian organizations in Germany must be strong and united, while also integrated into cooperation with German partners. Only then can we effectively overcome barriers to care,” said Yuliia Chechotkina, Communications Specialist and Project Manager at “100% Life.Germany.”

“People arrive in Germany without knowing the language and find it very difficult to navigate the healthcare system. That’s why, together with ‘100% Life,’ we launched a project based on an IT platform that explains available services in simple language and provides psychological support in partnership with the National HIV Hotline,” added Borys Hrachov, Project Manager of “IT solutions to support Ukrainians living with HIV and vulnerable groups in Germany,” implemented by Deutsche Aidshilfe and 100% Life.Germany with the support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Ukrainians can now receive consultations in their native language, including psychological support for those affected by forced displacement. The 100% Life legal chatbot is already available in Germany and provides answers to common questions about the rights of people living with HIV.

Services offered by 100% Life.Germany, PlusUkrDe e.V., and KwitneQueer e.V. demonstrate the capacity of the Ukrainian community, which is part of the solution to HIV sector challenges.

Advocacy priorities highlighted by panel participants include:

• recognition of Ukrainian medical diplomas in Germany;
• training of Ukrainian social work specialists;
• strengthening the role of Ukrainian organizations working in public health, LGBTQ+, and PLHIV communities;
• closer cooperation with German NGOs, where the Ukrainian community is part of the global community and part of the solution;
• systematic information campaigns about health rights and opportunities.

The Fast-Track Cities initiative is a global partnership among cities to end HIV in major urban centers by 2030. It aims to achieve the UNAIDS 0-95-95-95 targets: zero stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV; 95% of people living with HIV know their status; 95% of them have access to treatment; and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. Berlin joined the initiative in 2016, marking the beginning of collaborative efforts among various organizations.

📞 +380 44 290 40 89 , +380 93 023 82 43 — National HIV Hotline numbers for referrals to medical and social services in Germany. Available in Ukrainian, 24/7 (call charges according to your operator’s tariff).