Nigerian actress and philanthropist Osas Ighodaro, and former England football star David Beckham, have been named among the 2025 Goalkeepers Champions by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Gatekeepers News reports that the annual recognition celebrates 10 individuals advancing global health and equality, with a focus on eliminating childhood diseases and driving social change.
Ighodaro, founder of the Joyful Joy Foundation, was honoured for her work in raising malaria awareness across Africa through grassroots campaigns and advocacy.
She established the foundation after losing her sister, Joy, to malaria in 2006. Reflecting on her mission, she said, “My drive has always been to inform people about malaria, to tell the stories that inspire and the stories that must be told. That was the platform I chose when I was Miss Black USA.”
Beckham, a UNICEF ambassador, was recognised for his long-standing commitment to child health and wellbeing. Through the 7 Fund he launched with UNICEF, he has supported programmes in healthcare, education, and child development, while using his influence to spotlight preventable diseases like malaria.
He said, “Young people deserve our time and our commitment to ensure a freer and fairer world. I’m grateful to have been able to use my platform to amplify their voices.”
Other honourees include Donald Kaberuka, former chair of the Global Fund; Reem Al-Hashimy, UAE minister of state for international cooperation; Indian physicians Abhay Bang and Rani Bang for their community-driven rural healthcare innovations; and Krystal Mwesiga Birungi, a Ugandan researcher advancing gene drive technology in malaria control.
Also recognised were Jerop Limo, a Kenyan HIV awareness advocate; American author and health activist John Green, co-founder of Project for Awesome; and Naveen Thacker, president of the International Pediatric Association in India, for his leadership in immunisation policy.
The Gates Foundation said this year’s champions exemplify dedication to creating a future where children everywhere can grow up free from preventable diseases and health inequities.
