Undertaking rigorous transdisciplinary/ interdisciplinary research requires access to comprehensive and reliable databases and registries and collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Due to broken health systems and lapses in governance, these resources are unavailable in most African countries. For this reason, CHERI-Afrika will begin with the South African chapter. Collaborating with public health authorities, health institutions, researchers, community organizations, epidemiologists, and clinicians active in the field of global health systems and policy, we will champion the development and maintenance of quality databases on population health and air pollution/industrial emissions to inform research at the nexus of socioeconomic, environmental, maternal and child health. Our efforts will be guided by the distinctly African philosophy of ubuntu, drawing on our shared humanity to meet and conquer the challenges of our continent.