Worldwide, malaria kills an estimated 660,000 people each year.With almost 90 percent of these deaths occurring in Africa,malaria kills an African child every minute.The economic loss caused by malaria in Africa is estimated to be $12 billion dollars each year.

I applaud the debut of Global Health and Diplomacy with enthusiasm. With a prominent readership that includes Heads of State, ministers of health, policy experts, and opinion leaders, this publication promises to strengthen the political resolve to improve the lives of women all over the world.Throughout my career as a doctor, public health advocate, researcher, and director in international health agencies, I have worked to promote the health of disenfranchised populations in an effort to reduce suffering and injustice. Diplomacy has been my means of predilection for accomplishing this goal. My professional experiences have demonstrated to me that fostering dialogue among all stakeholders and convincing cooperation towards united objectives can go a long way in making a difference. A Swahili proverb states: "a boat doesn't go forward if each one is rowing his own way" in contrast, unified, collective action amplifies the impact of individual effort, which can result in tremendous social benefits.