"I grew up in Uganda, where I saw and experienced firsthand the devastating impact of malaria. As an adult living in a country with one of the highest global malaria burdens, I have dedicated my career to finding solutions to fight this deadly disease,” says Birungi. Growing resistance to available interventions, such as drugs and insecticides, are threatening efforts to fight the disease. As climate change progresses, millions are also now facing a higher likelihood of being exposed to malaria. The recent uptick in incidence of other vector-borne diseases — such as dengue — further underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches to address these converging threats.
Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, such as gene drive technologies, Target Malaria has the potential to make a transformative impact. “Our teams across Africa, Europe, and North America are forging a path towards a malaria-free Africa, where every child has the opportunity to thrive," explains Birungi.
At the recent Malaria Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, Krystal represented The Global Fund Advocates Network (GFAN) as an Observer, advocating for decisive action against malaria. The recent commitment taken by African Ministers of Health in Yaoundé to end malaria deaths serves as a poignant example for the UN Pact for the Future. “There are still communities in Africa who discuss how many children they should have because they are planning to lose some of them to malaria," she reflects. "I want to help build a world where my children do not have to make that decision."
Target Malaria's mission extends beyond scientific innovation; it embodies a commitment to co-development, excellence |
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