A second chance for Alexander: when doors open

The project 'You Should Know About Tuberculosis' is also operating in Kyiv. As in other regions, social workers here organize activities for the active detection of new cases of tuberculosis (TB/XDR-TB) among vulnerable groups - former prisoners and internally displaced persons.

The initiative is implemented by the NGO 'Labor and Health Social Initiatives' (LHSI) with the support of the Charitable Foundation 'Alliance for Public Health' within the framework of a grant from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It is also in collaboration with regional and local social service centers and healthcare institutions of various levels.

We talked to the social work coordinator Natalia Klachko and the social worker from Kyiv Iryna Piddubna, who shared with us incredible stories of clients that could even be categorized as miracles. Here is the first of the stories.

I went out into nowhere...

Olexandr was released from prison with only a release certificate. He had no possessions left, no documents, his wife died in a car accident, and his relatives went abroad during the war and left no contacts. Without a passport, he could neither receive medical assistance nor find shelter. All doors were closed, and with them the path to restoring a normal life.

And yet, at the center of resilience, where Alexander occasionally came for food or humanitarian aid, he met Iryna, a social worker from the project. She did not just listen to him — she saw the person behind the problems.

Iryna underwent tuberculosis screening, and the results raised suspicion. The next step was a medical examination, but documents were needed for additional tests. And this is where the journey began not only to restore health but also to regain the legal capacity of Oleksandr. Following the advice of her colleagues, Irina directed him to the necessary authorities. Initially, he received a document confirming his identity, and later — a passport. With this document, he was able to sign a declaration with his family doctor, undergo a complete medical examination, and start treatment.

During the two months in the hospital, another miracle happened. Oleksandr met members of a religious community who later sheltered him in their rehabilitation center. There he not only restored his health but also found inner support and motivation for life.

Today he is in good physical shape, building new plans, confidently looking to the future and... has started smiling again.

Sometimes a second chance begins with something simple — with someone stopping to listen, to help, and to believe.