EDITORIAL

IPECP - Are We Making a Difference in Africa?

Champion N Nyoni

Associate Professor and Senior Researcher: School of Nursing University of the Free State, AfrIPEN: Past -Chair

The Africa Interprofessional Education Network (AMPEN) is a thought leader in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice within the sub-Saharan African region. For over nearly a decade, AfrIPEN has reorganised and reframed the approach to Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Collaborative Practice (CP) within the African continent. Efforts have focused on building local capacity to develop and implement IPE in the region, creating platforms for engagement and disseminating research, activities and experiences related to education and training on IPE.

In September 2023, AfrIPEN hosted its 4th conference at Balo Lodge, Malawi under the theme "IPECP: Are we making a difference in Africa?" This hybrid conference showcased the exciting work of educators, researchers, students and community members on various aspects of IPECP. The event was marked by shared experiences, laughter and forging of new connections and partnerships. This special issue collates some of the accepted papers and short communications presented at the conference.

We extend our gratitude to the African Journal of Health Professions Education (AJHPE) for providing a platform to share this significant work from the African continent. We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the reviewers, who ensured the rigour and quality of the published work:

• Dr Beloved Masava, United Kingdom

• Dr Gerard Filies, South Africa

• Dr Helga Lister, South Africa

• Dr Juliet Savanhu, United Kingdom

• Dr Luzaan Kock, South Africa

• Dr Maggie Williams, South Africa

• Dr Miriam Shawa, Lesotho

• Dr Moses Mulu, Kenya

• Mr Daniel Ashipala, Namibia

• Ms Jana Muller, South Africa

• Prof. Christmal Christmals, South Africa

• Prof. Doreen Mukona, United Arab Emirates

• Prof. Lizemari Hugo, South Africa

• Prof. Michael Sy, Switzerland

• Prof. Werner Cordier, South Africa

The conference marked a leadership transition within AfrIPEN. Dr. Gerard Filies succeeded Prof. Champion Nyoni, Ms. Judy Khanyola succeeded Dr. Elize Pietersen, and Dr. Luzaan Kock succeeded Dr. Farhin Delawala as the new executive committee of AfrIPEN. We hope they will continue to advance IPECP and make a significant impact.

Finally, we express our deepest condolences to the Masache family, the IPE community in Malawi, and AfrIPEN on the untimely death of Mr. Gibson Masache, the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee for the 4th AfrIPEN conference in Malawi. May his soul rest in peace.