Ugandan Scientist Krystal Birungi Wins Global Citizen Prize For Malaria Research

Uganda’s fight against malaria has received global recognition after Krystal Mwesiga Birungi, a Research and Outreach Associate at the Uganda Virus Research Institute/Target Malaria Uganda, won the prestigious Global Citizen Prize at the 2026 Global Citizen NOW summit.

Birungi was honoured among four exceptional young leaders from across the world for her groundbreaking work in malaria research and advocacy, placing Uganda at the centre of global conversations on public health innovation and the fight against extreme poverty.

For Uganda, where malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death, especially among children and pregnant women, Birungi’s recognition is more than a personal achievement. It is a powerful acknowledgment of the country’s scientific contribution to tackling one of Africa’s deadliest diseases.

The award was presented during the Global Citizen NOW summit, a high-profile international gathering convened by Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement dedicated to ending extreme poverty. The summit brought together influential leaders from government, policy, philanthropy, business, entertainment and civil society to push for action on education, food security, energy access and global health.

The event attracted several world leaders and global changemakers, including Pedro Sánchez, Paul Kagame, Hakainde Hichilema, former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and former Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

The summit also featured some of the world’s biggest entertainment figures, including Shakira, Hugh Jackman, Adam Lambert, Ayra Starr and Sophia Bush.

Birungi’s recognition comes at a critical time when Uganda continues to battle the heavy burden of malaria. According to health experts, the disease remains one of the country’s biggest public health challenges, affecting millions annually and straining the healthcare system. Her work with Target Malaria Uganda has focused on research and community engagement aimed at finding innovative and sustainable solutions to reduce malaria transmission.

The Global Citizen Prize celebrated four young leaders making transformative contributions in their countries and communities. Others honoured alongside Birungi included Dysmus Kisilu of Kenya for advancing clean energy access, Tawonga Nyirenda of Malawi for strengthening resilient food systems, and Anoushka Sinha of India for promoting education and human rights.

The summit also announced major global commitments aimed at improving lives around the world. Germany pledged $100 million to Education Cannot Wait, a global fund supporting children affected by crisis and conflict.

In another major announcement, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, unveiled the AVMA+ programme, a proposed $189 million investment to strengthen vaccine manufacturing across Africa by 2030. The initiative is expected to support the production of up to 70 million additional doses of vaccines made in Africa, marking a significant step toward reducing the continent’s dependence on imported vaccines.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also announced support for Mission 300, an ambitious initiative aimed at expanding electricity access to 300 million Africans through grants and investment guarantees.

One of the most talked-about moments at the summit came when Shakira announced that she would donate 100 percent of the proceeds from her new song “Dai Dai” to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which supports education opportunities for vulnerable children worldwide.

“There are very troubled times, and it’s important that we all come together to remind everyone how important our children and their education are,” Shakira said to thunderous applause.

The summit additionally unveiled the first group of grassroots organisations to benefit from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with 27 organisations from 10 countries selected to receive grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.