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.
President Bola Tinubu has felicitated Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu on her election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday, President Tinubu described Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu’s as a renowned paediatrician with a distinguished career in public health.
He underscored the historical significance of her election as the first African and the fifth woman to lead the global cancer control organisation.
The president noted that her election attests to her competence and character, and affirmed the enormous talents that abound in Nigeria.
He described Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ascension in the organisation as a landmark achievement, and a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global health leadership.
President Tinubu recalled Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu’s invaluable services to Kebbi state and the country, for which Nigeria is deeply grateful.
He lauded her stewardship as Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative, and her contributions to establishing the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control during her tenure as the First Lady of Kebbi State.
