Advancing health policy and equitable healthcare access across Africa through scientific innovation and leadership.
Krystal Birungi is an entomologist from Uganda working at the Uganda Virus Research Institute to end malaria in Africa through innovative science and community engagement. As part of the Target Malaria project, she helps develop genetically modified mosquitoes designed to reduce malaria transmission, addressing a disease that still kills a child every minute. Birungi makes a point to amplify voices of the communities affected by malaria. She believes African scientists are important advocates. By sharing specific, personal narratives about the human cost of malaria in Africa, she is able to demonstrate the urgent need for research investment. Krystal champions transparent communication and scientific co-development collaboration to defeat malaria. She believes that scientists, by opening their labs and engaging with society, can counter misinformation. Through her collaborative work with malaria researchers, community members and policymakers, Birungi aims to accelerate progress toward the elimination of malaria across Africa.