Join a working group

How to join

Join a Working Group! AfrIPEN members can participate by contacting the area leads listed under each group. Not a member or unsure of your status? 

Focus Areas

Capacity building The Capacity Building focus area empowers students, academics, and clinicians with the knowledge and skills needed to advance interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Through the student activities, academic workshops/webinars, and clinician training working groups, this focus area fosters continuous learning and professional development across all levels of healthcare education and practice. Area Lead: Dr. Hanlie Pitout. Email: hanlie.pitout@smu.ac.za

Partnership development The Partnership Development focus area strengthens AfrIPEN’s collaborations across Africa and beyond, fostering connections that advance interprofessional education and collaborative practice. This area supports strategic partnerships through three key working groups: Malawi Workgroup – Driving IPE initiatives and capacity-building efforts in Malawi. Interprofessional.Global – Connecting AfrIPEN with the global IPE community to share knowledge and best practices. AfriVIPE – Expanding virtual interprofessional education opportunities across the African continent. Area Lead: Dr. Gerard Filies. Email: gfilies@uwc.ac.za

Communication The Communication focus area ensures AfrIPEN’s message reaches the right audience through impactful content and strategic engagement. This area drives awareness and knowledge-sharing by developing key materials, managing branding, and maintaining AfrIPEN’s online presence. It includes two working groups: Content Development & Sharing – Creates newsletters, articles, and other resources to keep members informed. Sharing and Social Media – Manages AfrIPEN’s online presence, promoting IPE initiatives and engagement. Area Lead: Dr. Luzaan Africa. Email: lkock@uwc.ac.za

Evaluation The Evaluation focus area drives evidence-based improvements in IPE by assessing AfrIPEN’s impact and strengthening available resources. This area ensures that IPE initiatives are informed by research and supported by high-quality tools. It includes two key working groups: Research – Conducts and supports studies to generate evidence on IPE effectiveness and best practices. Resources – Develops and curates tools, guidelines, and training materials to enhance IPE implementation. Area Lead: Dr Gerard Filies. Email: gfilies@uwc.ac.za

Global impact The Global Impact focus area positions AfrIPEN as a key player in interprofessional education (IPE) worldwide by expanding its reach, influencing policy, and ensuring sustainable implementation. This area drives AfrIPEN’s long-term impact through three working groups: Membership & Recruitment – Expands AfrIPEN’s network by engaging new members and strengthening collaborations. Policy Integration – Advocates for IPE inclusion in health and education policies across Africa. Formalising Implementation Processes – Develops structured approaches to embed IPE into education and practice sustainably. Area Lead: Ms. Judy Khanyola. Email: jkhanyola@yahoo.com

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