Krystal Birungi becomes Goalkeepers Champion
Krystal Birungi, Research and Outreach Associate at Target Malaria Uganda at Uganda Virus Research Institute reached a new milestone in her advocacy journey. She was named one of the 10 Goalkeepers for her work advancing health policy and equitable healthcare access across Africa through scientific innovation and leadership.
Each year, the Global Goalkeeper Award honors 10 exceptional champions, experts, innovators, advocates, and leaders from around the world, who have shown commitment to the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development in their country and globally. This year, Krystal Birungi is selected along Reem Al-Hashimy (UAE), Dr. Abhay Bang & Dr. Rani Bang (India), David Beckham (United Kingdom), Toni Garrn (Germany/United States), John Green (United States), Osas Ighodaro (Nigeria/ United States), Dr. Donald Kaberuka (Rwanda), Dr. Naveen Thacker (India) and Jerop Limo (Kenya). These 10 individuals are dedicated to building a world where the deadliest childhood diseases become ancient history.
“The power to dream is the first step towards the power to change things. I would want to encourage any African scientist, anyone who wants to be a scientist, an innovator, a leader, to just take the first step, to try. You can do it. You should do it. You must.”
Krystal Birungi, Research and Outreach Associate at Target Malaria Uganda at Uganda Virus Research Institute
Kystal Birungi was also a keynote speaker at the 2025 Goalkeepers NYC event, dedicated to reimagining a future without preventable child deaths. The conference attracted a large number of global leaders, activists, philanthropists and innovators to share data, discuss challenges, and celebrate changemakers who are bringing the world closer to the Global Goals.
