Partnership Development Focus Area

AfrIPEN’s Partnership Development focus area fosters strong local and global collaborations to advance interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP). This area includes three key working groups:

🌍 Malawi Workgroup – Established in 2024, this initiative aims to strengthen IPECP efforts in Malawi. Initial contact was made with the Registrar, and a group of 5-7 members is being assembled for a series of meetings starting in 2025. AfrIPEN members with expertise in IPECP from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are encouraged to join and contribute.

🤝 Interprofessional.Global Representation – AfrIPEN plays an active role in global IPECP developments through representation in Interprofessional.Global. AfrIPEN members currently serve on  working groups (and the AfrIPEN Chair co-chairs one group), ensuring alignment with global trends:

• Communication & Partnership Taskforce
• Knowledge Mobilization & Policy Advocacy Committee
• Capacity Building Working Group

AfrIPEN members provide feedback on African IPECP developments, and participation in Global Cafés offers additional engagement opportunities. AfrIPEN encourages members to volunteer for upcoming sessions.

💻 AfriVIPE – This initiative expands virtual interprofessional education (VIPE) opportunities across Africa. Universities attending UWC’s IPE World Cafés have begun integrating AfriVIPE into their curricula. To enhance impact, AfrIPEN seeks commitment from students and HEIs to recruit more participants and representatives for planning meetings.

Join this focus area to help strengthen partnerships, shape global IPECP policies, and expand virtual learning opportunities!