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Goalkeepers  Awards  &  Champions  Celebrate the Progress

Leaders in Child Health

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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.
President of the Government of Spain Pedro Sánchez, 2025 Global Goalkeepers Award Winner
View the awards ceremony - Photo: Pregnant woman smiling with Ashu Martha Agbornyenty, Changemaker Award winner

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

Dr. Abhay Bang & Dr. Rani Bang, Community Health Pioneers
Advancing community-driven healthcare in rural India, transforming how underserved populations access lifesaving care.

Krystal Mwesiga Birungi

Entomologist and Malaria Advocate, Uganda

Krystal Mwesiga Birungi, Entomologist and Malaria Advocate
Advancing health policy and equitable healthcare access across Africa through scientific innovation and leadership.

John Green

Author and Global TB Advocate, U.S.

John Green, Author and Global TB Advocate
Advancing public understanding of tuberculosis and mental health through powerful storytelling and youth advocacy.

Dr. Donald Kaberuka

African Finance and Development Leader, Rwanda

Dr. Donald Kaberuka, African Finance and Development Leader
Advancing global health financing and strengthening systems and expanding access to healthcare worldwide.

Dr. Naveen Thacker

Vaccine Advocate and Global Pediatric Leader, India

Dr. Naveen Thacker, Vaccine Advocate and Global Pediatric Leader
Advancing child health and immunization through decades of community-based medical leadership and global advocacy.

Reem Al-Hashimy​

Global Development Leader and Health and Education Advocate, UAE

Reem Al-Hashimy​, Global Development Leader and Health and Education Advocate
Advancing health and education through large-scale investments and global partnerships that improve outcomes for millions of children.

David Beckham, OBE

Former Footballer, Committed Advocate for Child Health and Education, U.K.

David Beckham, Football Icon and Children’s Rights Advocate
Advocating for child health and education.

Toni Garrn

Model and Founder of the Toni Garrn Foundation, Germany/U.S.

Toni Garrn, Model and Founder of the Toni Garrn Foundation
Advancing girls’ education and healthcare by mobilizing global resources and attention to underserved communities.

Osas Ighodaro

Actress and Founder of the Joyful Joy Foundation, Nigeria/U.S.

Osas Ighodaro, Actress and Founder of the Joyful Joy Foundation
Advancing malaria awareness across Africa through grassroots activism and her work with the Joyful Joy Foundation.

Jerop Limo

HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Rights Activist, Kenya

Jerop Limo, HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Rights Activist
Advancing HIV awareness and inclusive care for children and women living with HIV across Africa.