Background

Aidsnet was founded at a meeting in June 2000 on the initiative of the Danish Red Cross. At the meeting, a number of Danish development organisations recognised that they could make better use of the common knowledge accumulated in their organisations.  

Both the Danish HIV organisations, research institutions working with HIV/AIDS issues from a scientific perspective and NGOs specialising in project work in the South held vast experience which could benefit others - hence the idea of a network.

At the same time, they all wanted to enter into a more structured, professional dialogue with Danida and to be the critical and construvtive voice of civil society in respect to Danida's HIV/AIDS policies and priorities. To realise this, it was necessary to create a consolidated platform. 

After 2000 Aidsnet operated with a flat decision structure and used own funds. Nevertheless, the network managed to organise a number of well-attended events. The specific activities comprised e.g. mapping of members' experiences and competencies, a project meeting in connection with World AIDS Day, a workshop on advocacy and a meeting on the use of volunteers in AIDS programmes.

The organisations also set up various joint thematic projects, e.g. the idea of a common   knowledge centre in Southern Africa. An alliance between Danish Red Cross, The Danish Family Planning Acssociation and the Department for International Health at the University of Copenhagen are following up on this idea. Finally, Aidsnet have held several joint network meetings where the agenda has been a mix of professional and organisational issues, including planning of application to Danida.

In May 2003 Danida approved Aidsnet's application for a grant under the new framework for funding of profesional networks. The grant runs for three years and covers both ativities and the coordination of network activities.