Celebrate the Progress
Goalkeepers Awards & Champions
Leaders in Child Health
Goalkeepers celebrates leaders, champions, and everyday visionaries who are bringing the world closer to the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development.
The Goalkeepers community is a global collective of diverse and collaborative changemakers with a shared commitment to the Global Goals. Together, they exchange ideas and drive innovative solutions in their regions, proving progress is possible.
Each year, Goalkeepers honors members making extraordinary contributions. The Global Goalkeeper Award celebrates a leader who has shown commitment to the Global Goals in their country and globally. And Goalkeepers honors 10 exceptional Champions—experts, innovators, advocates, and leaders from around the world—making remarkable progress. Their collective work demonstrates that meaningful progress is not only possible but is happening right now.
Take a moment to read their inspiring stories below along with community spotlights of Goalkeepers around the world.
Global Goalkeepers Winner
The 2025 Global Goalkeeper Award was presented to Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain, recognizing his leadership in advancing international cooperation and amplifying the voices of the Global South. Under his leadership, Spain has deepened ties with the Africa Group at the United Nations, convened global leaders at the International Conference on Financing for Development, and expanded support for public health. His commitment to international develop and public health has helped boost contributions to the Global Fund by 12% and to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, by 30%. President Sánchez is championing a more inclusive, collaborative approach to solving the world’s most urgent challenges.
Meet the Champions
These 10 individuals from across the globe are champions of child health and vaccine equity through research, advocacy, and policy. Together, they are turning lived experience into bold action and inspiring a global movement to protect every child’s right to a healthy future.
2025 Child Health Champions
Dr. Abhay Bang & Dr. Rani Bang
Community Health Pioneers
India
Advancing community-driven healthcare in rural India, transforming how underserved populations access lifesaving care.
Dr. Abhay Bang & Dr. Rani Bang
Community Health Pioneers
India
Advancing community-driven healthcare in rural India, transforming how underserved populations access lifesaving care.
Dr. Rani Bang and Dr. Abhay Bang are renowned public health pioneers who have transformed community health in Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, India by involving people in every stage of their research. Since 1986, they have led the Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH), addressing local health priorities through curative care, anti-alcohol campaigns, and research on conditions like sickle cell disease. Their groundbreaking home-based newborn care model reduced neonatal mortality by 62% and informed national policy. The Bangs, inspired by the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, champion community-driven research and youth development through their Nirman program and empower the next generation to lead social change and improve health outcomes.
Reem Al-Hashimy
Global Development Leader and Health and Education Advocate
UAE
Advancing health and education through large-scale investments and global partnerships that improve outcomes for millions of children.
Reem Al-Hashimy
Global Development Leader and Health and Education Advocate
UAE
Advancing health and education through large-scale investments and global partnerships that improve outcomes for millions of children.
Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy is the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and a leading architect of the nation’s global development agenda. She spearheaded the UAE’s successful bid to host Expo 2020 Dubai and now serves as CEO of the Expo City Dubai Authority, advancing its legacy. H.E. Al Hashimy chairs the UAE National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Dubai Cares, and the Board of Trustees of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. A Tufts, Harvard, and Tsinghua alumna, she continues to drive international collaboration, sustainable development, and education initiatives that shape the UAE’s future.
Krystal Mwesiga Birungi
Entomologist and Malaria Advocate
Uganda
Advancing health policy and equitable healthcare access across Africa through scientific innovation and leadership.
Krystal Mwesiga Birungi
Entomologist and Malaria Advocate
Uganda
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.
David Beckham, OBE
Former Footballer, Committed Advocate for Child Health and Education
U.K.
Advocating for child health and education.
David Beckham, OBE
Former Footballer, Committed Advocate for Child Health and Education
U.K.
Advocating for child health and education.
David Beckham is a global sports icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose impact extends far beyond the field. The first English player to win league titles in four countries, his 20-year career included Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and the England national team. Since retiring, he has co-founded Inter Miami CF, launched the production studio Studio 99, and partnered with Authentic Brands Group to build his global brand. A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Beckham also champions the King’s Foundation, Malaria No More, and the British Fashion Council, using his platform to drive positive change worldwide.
John Green
Author and Global TB Advocate
U.S.
Advancing public understanding of tuberculosis and mental health through powerful storytelling and youth advocacy.
John Green
Author and Global TB Advocate
U.S.
Advancing public understanding of tuberculosis and mental health through powerful storytelling and youth advocacy.
John Green is an award-winning, bestselling author and advocate for global health equity. Known for novels like Looking for Alaska, The Fault in Our Stars, and Turtles All the Way Down, he also co-created the educational channel Crash Course, the Vlogbrothers platform, and the annual Project for Awesome fundraiser. As a board member of Partners In Health, John has helped raise over $30 million with the Nerdfighter community to reduce maternal mortality in Sierra Leone. In 2023, he addressed the United Nations, urging an end to tuberculosis within a decade.
Toni Garrn
Model and Founder of the Toni Garrn Foundation
Germany/U.S.
Advancing girls’ education and healthcare by mobilizing global resources and attention to underserved communities.
Toni Garrn
Model and Founder of the Toni Garrn Foundation
Germany/U.S.
Advancing girls’ education and healthcare by mobilizing global resources and attention to underserved communities.
Toni Garrn is a supermodel and philanthropist dedicated to advancing education and health for girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through the Toni Garrn Foundation, she provides scholarships for secondary school girls and supports the construction of hostels and medical centers that create safe, supportive environments. Garrn champions community engagement and sustainable practices, addressing cultural norms that often hinder girls’ education. Her work offers refuge and opportunity to girls seeking schooling and care, while also promoting access to medical services and maintaining close relationships with local partners. She envisions a future driven by local leadership, collaboration, and opportunities for girls to thrive.
Dr. Donald Kaberuka
African Finance and Development Leader
Rwanda
Advancing global health financing and strengthening systems and expanding access to healthcare worldwide.
Dr. Donald Kaberuka
African Finance and Development Leader
Rwanda
Advancing global health financing and strengthening systems and expanding access to healthcare worldwide.
Dr. Donald Kaberuka, a Rwandan economist and former Minister of Finance, served as the 7th President of the African Development Bank (2005–2015), where he expanded the Bank’s reach and impact as Africa’s premier financial institution. He later chaired the Board of the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria (2019–2023) and is currently the African Union’s Special Envoy on Financing, the Peace Fund, and the COVID-19 response. A champion of sustainable health financing and inclusive development, he advocates for system-wide approaches and investment in broader health determinants such as education, water, sanitation, and nutrition. While noting challenges like vaccine inequality during COVID-19, he praises Africa’s resilience and self-reliance and calls for collective global action to achieve lasting health progress.
Osas Ighodaro
Actress and Founder of the Joyful Joy Foundation
Nigeria/U.S.
Advancing malaria awareness across Africa through grassroots activism and her work with the Joyful Joy Foundation.
Osas Ighodaro
Actress and Founder of the Joyful Joy Foundation
Nigeria/U.S.
Advancing malaria awareness across Africa through grassroots activism and her work with the Joyful Joy Foundation.
Osas Ighodaro is an actor and the founder of the Joyful Joy Foundation, which works to end malaria across Nigeria and beyond. Inspired by the loss of her sister to malaria in 2006, her mission is to eradicate malaria one community at a time. Launched in New York City and Nigeria, her foundation leads monthly outreach programs that provide malaria testing, educational sessions, and medication distribution. From her days as Miss Black USA to now a Nollywood celebrity, Osas has leveraged her platform to spread awareness about malaria through storytelling, community engagement, and fundraising.
Dr. Naveen Thacker
Vaccine Advocate and Global Pediatric Leader
India
Advancing child health and immunization through decades of community-based medical leadership and global advocacy.
Dr. Naveen Thacker
Vaccine Advocate and Global Pediatric Leader
India
Advancing child health and immunization through decades of community-based medical leadership and global advocacy.
Dr. Naveen Thacker is a renowned Indian pediatrician and a leading Global advocate for immunization and polio eradication. His commitment began in 1993, when a polio outbreak inspired him to champion vaccination efforts. From serving as President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, he became the first Indian to lead the International Pediatric Association as Executive Director and President of IPA. He also served on the India Expert Advisory Group on Polio for over 10 years, where he guided national polio eradication efforts. Dr. Thacker promotes community engagement, trusted local voices, and innovative approaches like the 107 strategy, which focused on 107 specific sub-district units where polio cases were recurring. Through this strategy, the Indian team discovered that people were more receptive to the vaccine when their broader community needs were addressed, such as water delivery and infrastructure needs. He continues to combat challenges such as misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, driving efforts toward a future free of polio and preventable childhood diseases.
Jerop Limo
HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Rights Activist
Kenya
Advancing HIV awareness and inclusive care for children and women living with HIV across Africa.
Jerop Limo
HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Rights Activist
Kenya
Advancing HIV awareness and inclusive care for children and women living with HIV across Africa.
Jerop Limo is a certified program design expert whose work has been inspired by her own lived experience as a young woman living with HIV dedicated to improving outcomes of fellow young people living with HIV. She develops and implements youth-centered programs that integrate psychosocial support, awareness-building, and life skills training with an empathetic and relatable approach. She also empowers and closely works with young people who are peer educators and champions to ensure that young people have access to peer support at the health centers and in the community. Jerop advocates for policies that address the lived realities of the community she serves as they face challenges like treatment adherence, service access and stigma. She has led efforts such as resolving ARV stockouts during COVID-19. Through her work, she champions comprehensive, youth-friendly services and emboldens young people to take ownership of their health, fostering resilience and long-term well-being within their communities.