Network is a verb. The experience of the network of community-oriented educational institutions for health sciences

The process of networking has great potential for facilitating and accelerating global health development. This article presents some of the experiences of the Network of Community-Oriented Educational Institutions for Health Sciences. Three components are identified, each of which is illustrated by a specific Network activity: (1) tasks and projects, (2) information and communications technology, (3) people and institutions--the human factor. Some important lessons have been learned. Because people are the key to successful networking, there is a need to strengthen the research about how networks function. Encouraging progress is being made toward more effective global collaboration.