Research News Last updated 08 September
A report by Birmingham City University (BCU) has highlighted how international nursing partnerships are transforming healthcare across the globe.
BCU’s Centre for International Health Partnerships (CIHP) launched their ‘Impact Report on International Health Research Partnerships in Viet Nam, Malawi and Zambia 2025’ at a research dissemination event in London (29 July).
The event was hosted in collaboration with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) International Nursing Academy and brought together academics, researchers and nurses from across the world.
Talks included Nursing Policy, Practice and Research Priorities in Central, Southern Africa; the needs of Critical Care Survivors in Malawi; the role of community in Critical Care follow-up in Zambia; and capacity strengthening of cardiovascular nursing in Zambia.
BCU’s Associate Professor Chris Carter said: “Events like this allow us to celebrate the breadth and depth of work undertaken by the CIPH and the stakeholders involved.
“Our impact report is focused on our international partners to give them an opportunity to share their work and have their voices heard on a wider and multinational scale.”
As healthcare systems worldwide face increasing pressures, the report demonstrates how nurse-led partnerships are delivering sustainable, locally led solutions that improve care, strengthen workforces and support better outcomes for patients and communities.
“By connecting with current, past and potential partners we can share new ideas and work together to improve practices and knowledge,” said Professor Joy Notter, Professor of Community Nursing.
“Our focus on close-to-practice research is investigating problems and gaps that nurses, patients and healthcare services experience in everyday practice to generate evidence which has the potential to directly inform improvements in care.”
The event also highlighted how BCU is strengthening global health partnerships and influencing practice despite significant funding and aid challenges. Working with healthcare practitioners and educators across the world is helping to build specialist workforces, develop research networks and strengthen health systems across Africa and Asia.
“This event was a great opportunity to celebrate the role of research, partnership and innovation in advancing global health,” said Elsa Afonso, RCN Head of International Nursing.
“We must continue to showcase how locally generated, nurse-led evidence informs best practice and helps strengthen delivery in diverse settings.
“Our ongoing work in Malawi demonstrates our commitment to developing long-term, equitable partnerships to support nursing leadership and workforce development across the globe. These partnerships must be about centring local priorities and building sustainable and collaborative work.”
Image: Research dissemination event July 2026