President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu on her election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), marking a historic achievement as the first African and fifth woman to lead the global cancer organization. Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu, a renowned paediatrician and former First Lady of Kebbi State, was elected to the prestigious role on October 8, 2024.
In a statement, President Tinubu highlighted the significance of her appointment, noting that it underscores her competence, character, and dedication to global health. He praised Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu for her contributions to cancer control, both in Nigeria and internationally, and lauded her leadership as a reflection of the immense talent that Nigeria continues to offer to the world.
The President also commended Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu for her service as Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative, where she played a pivotal role in the creation of the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control during her tenure as First Lady. Her work in founding the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and her advisory role to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, were also highlighted.
As Vice Chair of Nigeria’s National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu has overseen the vaccination of 12 million Nigerian girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer, through both domestic and international partnerships.
In his statement, President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cancer care, referencing the administration’s allocation of N37.4 billion to the Federal Ministry of Health’s Oncology Initiative. This initiative includes the establishment of six cancer centers in teaching hospitals across the country, in cities such as Benin, Zaria, Katsina, Enugu, Jos, and Lagos, over the next two years.
Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s appointment is seen as a major win for Nigeria in the global health arena. President Tinubu expressed confidence that her new role as UICC President will enable her to advance cancer control efforts and make significant contributions to global health improvement.
Founded in 1933 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the UICC is a global organization with over 1,100 member organizations across more than 170 countries and territories, dedicated to cancer control and prevention worldwide.
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