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[Note: This case study was originally published in 2009. Download a PDF or read the case study here.]

The epidemics of HIV, hunger and poverty are inextricably linked. Good nutrition has been called the key to positively living with the HIV virus. When malnutrition prevails, the immune system is weakened and susceptibility to infections increases. Using Communities of Practice to promote learning and advocacy around integrated HIV and food/nutrition security (FNS) programming, Project Concern International and its many nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners initiated Links for Life, a multi-faceted development program.

Lessons Learned:

• Knowledge sharing through “learning communities” is the key component to integrating programs that can affect change.
• Success depends on participants having the mechanisms to regularly explore ideas, think together and share relevant knowledge across local, regional and national boundaries.
• A program dependent on volunteers is challenged by inconsistent levels of participation.