Nigerian breaks global barrier, takes over world cancer control body
Nigeria has broken a major barrier in global cancer advocacy as renowned paediatrician and cancer control campaigner, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, assumes the presidency of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), becoming the first African and Nigerian to lead the influential international organisation Her emergence for the 2026–2028 tenure marks a historic breakthrough for Nigeria and Africa, offering fresh opportunities to push the continent’s cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment challenges to the centre of global health discussions.
The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), which announced the development on Tuesday, described her assumption of office as a landmark achievement for the country, the continent and the global cancer community.
Shinkafi-Bagudu, a paediatrician and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, has spent years championing cancer awareness, patient support and improved access to quality cancer care, particularly for underserved populations.
Her elevation comes at a critical time when equitable access to cancer services remains a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries, where financial constraints and gaps in healthcare infrastructure often limit patients’ access to timely diagnosis and treatment.
With her new position, expectations are high that Africa’s cancer burden and the persistent inequalities confronting patients across the continent will receive stronger representation in international cancer policy and advocacy.
The NCS said her emergence was the culmination of years of dedicated service, strategic leadership and sustained advocacy for equitable access to cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and care.
According to the Society, her international leadership presents an opportunity to amplify the voices of cancer patients and survivors, strengthen cancer organisations and mobilise greater support for countries struggling with inadequate cancer services.
