Krystal Birungi, an Ugandan scientist and Research and Outreach Associate at Target Malaria Uganda, contributed to a new book, bringing together the reflection of global voices on the notion of hope. Edited by Norwegian entrepreneur Osvald Bjelland and titled “Hope for Life on Our Planet: Inspiration for Seven Generations”, the collection features essays and reflections from over 60 global leaders across science, policy, and innovation, including late Pope Francis, Ethologist Dame Jane Goodall, Nobel Prize laureate and Costa Rica former President Óscar Arias Sánchez.
Krystal Birungi is one of the contributors hailing from Africa, next to Nigerian essayist Bayo Akomolafe and Amani Abou-Zeid, African Union’s Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy. Krystal presented her essay “Breaking the chains: Addressing public health inequities in the fight against malaria” at the book launch, held at The Courtauld Institute of Art in London last June.
A personal fight against malaria
For Ms Birungi, malaria is not just a research subject—it’s a lived reality. For her essay, she chose to spotlight the heavy burden of malaria in Uganda and in Africa. Birungi’s inclusion underscores the critical role of African voices and researchers in shaping global health solutions.
“Malaria wasn’t something I read about in textbooks—it was my childhood,” Birungi recalls. “In Uganda, many families still plan for loss, expecting some children not to survive. That’s why my work isn’t just about science—it’s about justice.”
In her essay, Krystal wanted to emphasize the devastating toll of malaria on women and children in sub-Saharan Africa and the systemic barriers perpetuating the crisis. She also detailed her commitments, as a researcher and advocate, to encourage more investments in malaria research. She presented the promise held by gene drive technology to complement current malaria intervention tools.
Her essay is a call to action to fight malaria’s heavy burden on the most vulnerable and to invest in research and innovation. “We can’t just innovate—we must ensure those most affected lead the conversation. Ending malaria isn’t just possible; it’s a moral imperative,” adds Birungi.
With Uganda reporting over 12 million malaria cases annually (Ministry of Health, 2023) – among the countries most affected by malaria worldwide, Birungi’s work—and her essay—challenge policymakers, researchers, and communities to prioritize equity in public health interventions and invest in next-generation tools, including gene drive technology.
