The Egyptian NGO Network Against AIDS (ENNAA) was established in December 2003 in cooperation with UNAIDS, UNDP, UNICEF, The Center for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) , the National AIDS program of the Ministry of Health and population ( NAP ) , and Caritas Egypt Alexandria.

Other National and International agencies are also providing support to the ENNAA throughout the execution of its different activities.

The Network is composed of 19 Egyptian organizations that are concerned with combating AIDS and are committed to playing an effective role in this domain in partnership with the NAP and other national organizations.

ENNAA`S Mission

ENNAA seeks to ensure greater involvement of the civil society in the national AIDS response. The Network aims at building a coherent society capable of fighting the spread of AIDS, especially among those most vulnerable. ENNAA works increase awareness, change concepts and beliefs towards HIV/ AIDS, encourage curtailment of risk behaviors, provide care to the infected, and eliminate stigma and discrimination in order to achieve a better life for entire society.

Conclusion :

• More NGOs are involved in HIV programming than before the ENNAA was created .

• The increase in the HIV awareness programs implemented jointly gave a stronger impact in the society and raised attention to the issue .

• Coordination and partnership has been enhanced and members are encouraged to work jointly to implement awareness programs on HIV under a unified theme .

• More sectors of the society, especially potential donors, are aware of the ENNAA through its printed advocacy tools, which also give a more professional image to the network .

• Continuous coordination with the NAP has allowed the work to something missing. I would stress this point much more. NAP has recognized ENNAA as main partner in the national AIDS response. Before, v limited corporation with civil society .

• ENNAA members have developed in depth knowledge on vulnerable groups and are more flexible to the idea of targeting these groups with intervention programs .

• PLHIV are being heard and given the opportunity to speak out their fears and needs in liberty. They also had the opportunity to know that their problems are seriously being looked at through the different levels of the society (governmental, civil, and international).
This definitely boosted their morale and gave hope that they are being heard and could be effective in the society .