SAN – the Sudan AIDS Network – is an umbrella organisation for all organisations working in the field of combating HIV/AIDS in Sudan. It consists of a consortium of 58 NGOs. SAN was established in 1996 and has a Coordinating Committee of 11 organisations, and in addition two members from PLWHA – the People Living with HIV/AIDS Association. The network is formally registered at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs as a network of organisations working for the same goal and purpose, which is expressed in its vision:

“Towards Sudanese communities free of HIV/AIDS and its impact through effective response and partnership based on results.”

SAN has played a vital role in the Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM). The network’s engagement is also shown by vice-chairing the CCM. Furthermore, four member organisations of SAN are also represented in the CCM.

SAN started to establish branches in different states of Sudan. Up to now, it has established 3 branches and is planning to cover the whole of Sudan by end of 2009. Additionally to its national work, the network is also member of two regional networks. These are the Regional Arab Network Against AIDS (RANAA) and the East Africa Network for National AIDS Service Organisations (EANNASO).

SAN’s natural target groups are NGOs and other organisations working on HIV/AIDS in Sudan – whether they are national or international, faith-based or a-religious. SAN is aimed at being an advocacy, networking and partnership body for all its member organisations.

The members of the network share the mutual interest of working in combating HIV/AIDS. There is also a common need by members for technical capacity development in the area of planning, management, monitoring & evaluation, as well as documentation and communication.

Manal Osman

Vice President/Program Coordinator

SAN c/o UNAIDS

Khartoum