Representatives from ten community-based organizations (CBOs) in Malawi launched a new network designed to build community competency in responding to HIV/AIDS. The goal of the network, TSAMACHI, is to improve the health status of community members by sharing information, building relationships with other organizations, and by advocating on behalf of those infected or affected by HIV and AIDS. The CBOs that make up TSAMACHI work together to secure funding and create opportunities for cooperation which are complementary, collaborative, and which also help to strengthen their individual organizations.

The ten CBOs are current or previous recipients of small grants from the CORE Initiative. All of the organizations are working to mainstream HIV/AIDS messages in their primary functions. The network was launched after a CORE Initiative capacity-building workshop which allowed the CBOs to improve their skills in networking and advocacy. Prior to launching the network, the grantees also worked together to research community-level HIV/AIDS resources for compilation into a resource package. After compiling all of the resources that were identified, each organization customized the resource package to meet its organizational needs. Organizations will use the resource packages, which include stickers, calendars, books, and fact sheets to disseminate HIV and AIDS information in their communities.