Krystal Mwesiga Birungi, Ugandan scientist, malaria advocate, and Research & Outreach Associate at Target Malaria Uganda at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI),/PHOTO ; Courtesy
Ugandan researcher and malaria advocate Krystal Mwesiga Birungi has been selected as part of the 2025–2026 Obama Foundation Leaders Africa class, joining 35 exceptional Africans recognized for their leadership, civic engagement, and work to drive positive change across the continent.
A malaria survivor herself, Krystal’s journey from childhood illness to scientific leadership reflects the power of resilience and purpose.
Today, she serves as a Research and Outreach Associate at Target Malaria Uganda, based at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), where she works on innovative approaches to control malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
Her selection by the Obama Foundation positions her among a new generation of African changemakers committed to building more equitable, resilient, and inclusive societies.
The year-long program focuses on values-based leadership, systems thinking, and cross-sector collaboration themes that closely align with Krystal’s career-long mission to end malaria and promote health equity.
A Personal Battle Turned Professional Mission
Krystal’s fight against malaria began long before her professional journey.
Growing up in Uganda, she endured repeated bouts of malaria and witnessed her younger brother’s near-death experiences from the disease.
“Those early years embedded the conviction in me that malaria is not just a scientific challenge, but a moral and social injustice,” says Birungi.
Her personal experience has since evolved into a lifelong commitment to protecting children’s lives and advancing public health across Africa.
“In 2023, 94% of the world’s malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths happened in Africa. I am driven every day by the data and by the faces behind it, because every statistic is someone’s child, friend, or family,” she adds.
At Target Malaria Uganda, Krystal works at the intersection of research, outreach, and community engagement, translating scientific findings into community-centered approaches that build understanding and trust.
She advocates for innovative tools such as vaccines, dual-insecticide nets, spatial repellents, new drug formulations, and genetically modified mosquitoes, emphasizing that “no single tool is enough” and that “community involvement, national leadership, and equity concerns matter every step of the way.”
Global Voice for Equity and Innovation
Beyond her scientific work, Krystal has become a respected voice in international health advocacy.
She regularly participates in campaigns and dialogues with organisations such as The Global Fund Advocates Network, promoting awareness about malaria prevention, research, and funding equity.
In 2025, she contributed a compelling essay titled “Breaking the Chains: Addressing Public Health Inequities in the Fight Against Malaria” to Hope for Life on Our Planet: Inspiration for Seven Generations, a global collection of reflections edited by Osvald Bjelland and launched in London.
The book featured contributions from global figures, including Dame Jane Goodall and Pope Francis.
In her essay, Krystal highlights the disproportionate burden of malaria on African women and children and calls for deeper investment in science, innovation, and equitable policy reforms to accelerate progress.
Driving Africa’s Future in Malaria Elimination
The Global Fund, one of the key partners in malaria control, reported in 2025 that its combined work against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria has helped save 70 million lives since its inception, contributing to a 63% decline in death rates.
Yet, Krystal underscores that the fight is far from over and that African scientists, governments, and communities must remain at the forefront.
As an entomologist, she advocates for continuous research on mosquito behaviour and next-generation technologies that could transform disease prevention.
She believes that with vaccines, stronger health systems, and equitable research investment, malaria can be reduced to a manageable threat by 2035, with elimination possible in many high-burden areas by 2040.
Her vision, she says, is not just scientific optimism but a call to collective responsibility. “Global donors, African governments, research institutions, and communities must invest, innovate, and lead together,” she notes.
Krystal’s recognition by the Obama Foundation amplifies that call, positioning her as one of Africa’s emerging scientific leaders and advocates for a malaria-free future.
Her story stands as both a testament to personal perseverance and a powerful reminder that Africa’s fight against malaria is as much about leadership and equity as it is about science.
About Target Malaria:
Target Malaria is an international not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective, and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission.
Our vision is to contribute to a world free of malaria.
We aim to achieve excellence in all areas of our work, creating a path for responsible research and development of genetic technologies, such as gene drive.
Target Malaria receives core funding from the Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy.
The lead grantee organization is Imperial College London, with partners in Africa, Europe, and North America.
