The determinants of health in the Region are multiple and complex, requiring committed leadership to address the threats posed to social and economic development. Africa confronts the world's most dramatic public health crisis. Africa has 11 percent of the world’s population but carries 24 percent of the global disease burden. Africa accounts for almost half the world’s deaths of children under five, has the highest maternal mortality rate, and bears a heavy toll from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Of the 20 countries with the highest maternal mortality ratios worldwide, 19 are in Africa. Noncommunicable diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and are on the rise. In 2020 Africa like the rest of the world is grappling with the COVID-19 health pandemic which exposed the ill-preparedness of African health systems to deal with pandemics. GLAFAD will work with African governments, local businesses, financial intermediaries, policymakers, donors and other stakeholders to help Africa meet its health challenges. GLAFAD will encourage African governments to have strong health system and to meet the Abuja declaration that stipulates that African governments should set aside at least 15% of their national budgets on health. GLAFAD will address elements needed for a functioning health system, such as leadership and governance, human resources, health financing, information and research, access to medicine and health technologies, and service delivery issues in Africa