Maarika Leppik is a social worker at AHF Estonia’s Linda Clinic. Her story is next in our “I Am AHF” series featuring remarkable staff, clients, and partners who are doing what’s right to save lives everyday.
Interviewed by Diana Shpak, Knowledge Management Focal Point, AHF Europe Bureau.
“Let your light shine so brightly that others can see their way out of the dark.”
Maarika Leppik, a social worker at Linda Clinic in Narva, Estonia, shared her insights and experience regarding the crucial role of social work in keeping HIV patients engaged in care. Before speaking with her, I had no idea how much effort she puts in every single day to help people living with HIV in Estonia. Her dedication and results are worth sharing with everyone.
After working for many years in an orphanage with children, Maarika joined AHF in February 2021 and began working at Linda Clinic as a social worker, where she found her true calling.
Maarika is known for her compassionate approach and professionalism. These qualities help her connect with patients, achieve results, and remain fully committed to her work.
One of her most important responsibilities is ensuring patients come for therapy and medications on time. She tracks and schedules monthly visits, calling patients in advance to check how they are feeling, confirm they have enough medication, and remind them to collect their next supply. If she cannot reach them by phone, she personally visits each patient. She knows them all in person and always finds a way to remind them about their treatment.
Home visits are challenging yet vital for monitoring health and providing timely support. Maarika carefully chooses when to visit, considering seasons and weather, and sometimes accompanies a nurse to patients with serious health issues.
She describes this lifestyle as “living with purpose,” where fulfillment comes from helping others. “Living by the heart is the key to happiness,” Maarika says with a smile. “I truly love what I do.”
She believes that personalized support, care, and regular interaction not only improve adherence but also enhance patients’ quality of life. Confidentiality is central to her work, as trust must be absolute. Whether discreetly arranging medication deliveries or gently reminding patients in public, she focuses on motivating adherence without blame.
According to Maarika, the most important qualities for a social worker are empathy, openness, trust, and acceptance of individuals as they are. Her work is not about recognition but about giving her best to each patient. Years may pass, but patients will always remember her dedication and the pride and love she puts into every action.
