The NEP+, formerly known as AELWHA (Association of Ethiopians Living with HIV/AIDS), is established in October 2004 to raise and relay the collective voice of people living with HIV.

Originally there were 18 PLHIV associations which established NEP+. This number grew to 60 and decided in a conference to establish regional networks. Accordingly PLHIV associations found in Oromia, Amhara, SNNPR, Afar, Somali, Tigrai, Gambella, Benishangul-Gummuz, and Harari regions and the Addis Ababa Administration and Dire Dawa City Council established their own regional network. Currently the nine regional network and two city administration networks and The National network of HIV positive women network are the members came together and established NEP+ as an umbrella organization to lead the concerted effort.