Up to the end of 2004 , the number of people with HIV/ AIDS in North Africa and the Middle East reached 540.000 persons( The rate of increase in this region is considered the third fastest growing rate in the world.

In Egypt , the number of people living with HIV/ AIDS by 2004 range from 5.000 o 31.000 persons as estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Joint Programmed on HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS).

The size of the problem and its repercussions are alarming. Therefore there is dire need for networking and partnerships between all governmental, non- governmental and international bodies in order to face this epidemic before it is too late. Egypt in particular has a golden opportunity to curb the spread of this disease, if we take action now.

( NAP ) of the Ministry of Health and Population to ensure the Network's support of the Government's strategy on HIV and with a view to maintain complementary actions .

The NAP, UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNDP, CEDPA and Caritas Alexandria have supported the creation of the ENNAA, and provided the necessary sponsoring and facilities to boost its initial phase.

Member agencies of the Expanded Theme Group on HIV/AIDS (ETG) (UN, local and international organizations) are continuously providing support to the ENNAA and its implementation of different activities in recognition of the need to strengthen the HIV response of civil society .

Many other International agencies are also supporting different activities of the Network that facilitate fulfilling its mission .