Soa Aids Nederland (SANL) is host organisation of the network AIDS Action Europe (AAE). AAE’s mission: unite civil society to work towards a more effective response to the HIV epidemic in Europe and Central Asia. We strive for better protection of human rights and universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support and work towards a reduction of health inequalities focussing on most at risk populations in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

AAE`s general objectives in Europe and Central Asia:
Strengthen civil society is contribution to a more effective response to the HIV epidemic by:
- Making an effective and meaningful contribution to regional and national policies related to HIV and AIDS;
- Facilitating continuous exchange among NGOs on good practices and lessons learned related to HIV and AIDS;
- Developing a stronger, more effective organization and network.

AAEs core activities focus around advocacy and linking & learning. We focus on most at risk populations such as men having sex with men, people using drugs and migrants as well as on strengthening civil society`s response in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We are however an inclusive network, facilitating learning, exchange and cooperation among NGOs in the wider European and Central Asian region.

AAE undertakes advocacy on global, European and national level. Since 2005 AAE is co-chair of the HIV/AIDS Civil Society Forum (CSF). Together with EATG, we prepare, organise and chair the CSF meetings. AAE also acts as rapporteur of the CSF meetings and ensures follow-up communications. AAE is also member of the HIV/AIDS Think Tank (TT). This facilitates AAE`s pro-active involvement in development and implementation of European HIV/AIDS policies. In 2009 we played a key role in the development of the EU HIV/AIDS Communication 2009-2013. In 2011 AAE will strengthen involvement of civil society in implementation, monitoring and evaluation of this Communication and will coordinate a ECDC survey among CSF members. As regional network of ICASO AAE contributes to a more effective response to the global HIV epidemic.
Our Clearinghouse is the online database on HIV and AIDS for Europe and Central Asia- facilitates interactive exchange of good practices. Maintenance and promotion of the use of the clearinghouse has evolved into one of AAE`s core activities.

From 2011 onwards AAE will also engage in social media communications as part a renewed cross-media communications strategy. Social media are more and more developing into departure points for online browsing and for gathering of communities. They provide perfect tools for new and deeper ways of involvement. Social media are often described using the 4 Cs: Content, Collaboration, Community and Collective intelligence. These 4 Cs are fully in line with the work and mission of AAE.
In fact, the 4 Cs can be matched one on one with our strategic objectives:
- Strengthen civil society`s contribution to a more effective response to the HIV epidemic; (Content)
- Make an effective and meaningful contribution to regional and national policies related to HIV and AIDS; (Collaboration)
- Facilitate continuous exchange among NGOs on good practices and lessons learned related to HIV and AIDS; (Collective intelligence)
- Develop a stronger, more effective organization and network (Community)
AAE is currently developing a cross media strategy which will include the use of social media taking full advantage of their potential to reach our objectives. It will be implemented in phases, starting in 2010 (Focus), continuing in 2011 (Integration and Interaction) on to 2012 (Expansion).
AAE also coordinates the project ROST 2010-2012(Responding to HIV through Organisational Support and Technical Cooperation in EECA) through partner organisation AFEW.

Strengthen civil society`s contribution to regional and national HIV/AIDS policies and programmes

- NGOs and relevant stakeholders are well-informed about relevant policy developments
- CSF is involved in implementation/monitoring of Communication
-Civil society concerns are advocated for at European and International policy/advocacy opportunities

Increase collaboration, linking & learning, and good practice exchange among NGOs, networks, policy makers and other stakeholders in Europe and Central Asia

- NGOs, networks, projects, policy makers and other stakeholders are better informed about and make more use of the clearinghouse (indicators: 20% increase in up and downloads;15% increase in account holders);
- Strengthened networking and collaboration between AAE and stakeholders (indicators: minimum 300 members; 1375 monthly web visits and 25% of members/partners connected via social media)

Manage internal processes to successfully implement the work plan
- Work programme 2011 implemented as planned (indicator: 2 SC meeting reports; minutes 8 TCs;90% work plan implemented;2010 annual report online; staff progress reports)