Health systems is a broad subject and Africa's Health in 2010 plans to focus on two key inputs-health financing and human resources. Within these two areas, Africa 2010 will also address relevant governance issues. These areas were selected to build on momentum USAID’s Africa Bureau was able to gain in the past. Africa's Health in 2010 will maintain active interest in all aspects of health systems strengthening and advise on areas that may not be receiving adequate attention.

Health care financing is a critical component of any health system and influences both the ability to supply health services and the effective demand (consumption) of those services. Good health financing strategies aim to ensure fair and sustainable financing for the health sector. Health financing comprises three functions: revenue collection, pooling of resources, and payment of health care providers. Africa 2010 focuses on the tracking of health expenditures in priority health interventions and diseases using the National Health Accounts framework; and the scaling-up of protective mechanisms to ensure that the poor have access to essential care, such as community-based health financing mechanisms.

The crisis in human resources for health has been brought to the attention of the global community in recent years, culminating in the 2006 World Health Report. A health system cannot function without human resources and they must be competently managed. Africa's Health in 2010 works with African regional partners, USAID Missions and other donors to promote the implementation of best/promising practices in the development and management of human resources for health.