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Nigerian Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu Makes History As First African To Lead Global Cancer Body
Nigerian Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu Makes History As First African To Lead Global Cancer Body
Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu has assumed office as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for the 2026–2028 tenure, becoming the first Nigerian and African to lead the global organisation.
The Nigerian Cancer Society described her emergence as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and Africa after years of work in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and patient advocacy.
A consultant paediatrician and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Shinkafi-Bagudu was elected UICC President-elect in October 2024 before formally assuming the presidency in October 2026.
The NCS says it will continue working with national and international partners to strengthen cancer awareness, research, capacity building and access to quality prevention, diagnosis and treatment services.
October 21, () – Nigerian paediatrician and cancer control advocate, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, has assumed office as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), becoming the first Nigerian and African to lead the international organisation.
Shinkafi-Bagudu, who was elected President-elect of the UICC in October 2024, assumed the presidency for the 2026–2028 tenure, succeeding Sweden’s Ulrika Årehed Kågström.
The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), which announced the development, described her emergence as a landmark achievement for Nigeria, Africa and the global cancer community.
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In a statement, the Society said Shinkafi-Bagudu’s elevation followed years of service and advocacy for equitable access to cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and care.
The Society said her leadership would provide a platform to amplify the voices of cancer patients and survivors, strengthen cancer organisations and mobilise support for countries facing gaps in cancer services.
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It also expressed hope that her tenure would strengthen international partnerships aimed at addressing disparities in access to cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Shinkafi-Bagudu, a consultant paediatrician and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, has been involved in cancer awareness, patient support and advocacy for improved access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, particularly among underserved populations.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the NCS, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, congratulated Shinkafi-Bagudu on her assumption of office, describing the development as significant for Nigeria and the African continent.
Omonisi expressed confidence that her tenure would strengthen cooperation among cancer organisations and advance efforts towards equitable access to cancer prevention and care.
The Society called on governments, healthcare institutions, development partners and cancer advocacy organisations to strengthen collaboration in tackling the disease.
It said Shinkafi-Bagudu’s emergence should also serve as an opportunity to intensify efforts to improve cancer awareness, early detection, research, patient support and access to treatment.
The NCS pledged to continue working with national, regional and international partners to reduce the burden of cancer through public education, research, capacity building and improved access to quality care.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at ensuring that patients, survivors and caregivers, particularly those in underserved communities, have greater access to cancer services.
Background
The Union for International Cancer Control is an international membership organisation established in 1933 to coordinate and strengthen global efforts against cancer.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the organisation brings together cancer societies, research institutions, treatment centres, patient groups and other organisations involved in cancer prevention and control worldwide.
Shinkafi-Bagudu has been involved with the UICC for several years. She was elected to its Board of Directors in 2018 and subsequently continued serving within the organisation.
In October 2024, UICC members elected her President-elect during the organisation’s General Assembly, positioning her to take over its leadership at the expiration of the 2024–2026 tenure.
Her election was celebrated in Nigeria as a major milestone, with President Bola Tinubu congratulating her at the time and noting that she would become the first African and fifth woman to serve as UICC President.
Shinkafi-Bagudu founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, through which she has led cancer awareness campaigns, screening programmes and initiatives supporting patients and advocating improved access to cancer services.
Her assumption of office for the 2026–2028 tenure formally makes her the first African to serve as President of the UICC since the organisation was established more than nine decades ago.
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