By Muhammad Amaan
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has trained health workers from primary and secondary levels in the Northeast geo-political zone on cervical cancer screening and referral.
Speaking at end of the three-day training held at the Specialists Hospital on Wednesday in Gombe, Director General of the agency, Professor Usman Malami Aliyu, said the aimed of the training is to build capacity of the health workers to detect cervical cancer early especially at the primary and secondary healthcare levels so as to treat or refer it immediately.
Represented by Professor Musa Ali-Gombe, the director general assured the readiness of the institute to partner with all relevant stakeholders on cancer prevention.
He added that during the three days, the health healthcare providers were trained on the techniques of early detection and referral of cervical cancer cases in their facilities, to enable early detection, prevention and treatment.
“The aim of NICRAT is to reduce the growing burden of cancer across all levels of care in the six geo-political zones of the country,” he explained.
Earlier, Gombe State Commissioner of Health, Dr Habu Dahiru commended the institute for organising the training, saying it is timely considering the burden of cancer in the country.
Represented by the Director Public Health, Dr David Karatu, the commissioner assured the commitment of the state government to work with relevant stakeholders to provide quality healthcare services to the people.
Zainab Shinkafi elected President of International Cancer Control
By Muhammad Amaan
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has announced the election of Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu as its president-elect for the 2024-2026 term.
It also announced the election of a new board of directors with 14 members, following the UICC General Assembly that was held virtually on October 8, 2024.
A statement from the organisation said full member organisations of UICC from across the globe participated in the election, underscoring UICC’s ongoing commitment to uniting the global cancer community.
Dr Zainab who is from Nigeria is the first African to be elected to the position.
She is the founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, a consultant paediatrician, and a member of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) and the American Society for Clinical Oncology.
She is one of the major voices in the fight against cancer in Nigeria and has served in many national and international committees and task forces on cancer awareness, prevention and control.
She is the chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer, the co-chair of the cervical cancer technical working group in Nigeria, and also serves as a Senior Adviser on Women’s Health and Cancer Advocacy to the Coordinating Minister of Health of Nigeria.
Dr Zainab is a third-term member of the UICC and has provided training for healthcare workers, and supported the screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients through her foundation.
She expressed appreciation for the global support: “Thank you for your trust and confidence placed in me. I am especially honoured to work with all of you towards accelerating global cancer control under the umbrella of our great organisation.
“I will be an interactive leader who will lean on your experiences, insights and energies to guide the UICC in the years to come.”
Reacting to her election, the Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa expressed pride in her achievement, adding “This is a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa. Dr Bagudu’s leadership will bring transformative changes in cancer care globally. The Ministry fully supports her in this prestigious role.”
Director-General of the Nigerian Cancer Research and Treatment Agency (NICRAT), Professor Aliyu Malami also congratulated her, noting that “Her victory is a milestone for the cancer community. Her leadership will inspire new levels of innovation in global cancer control.”
Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu will assume her new role at the UICC in 2026, with expectations high for her leadership in advancing cancer care worldwide.
