The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has congratulated Nigerian paediatrician and cancer advocate Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu on becoming the first African to lead the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), describing her emergence as a milestone for Nigeria and the continent.
Shinkafi-Bagudu assumed office as UICC president for the 2026 to 2028 term on October 20, following her election at the organisation’s General Assembly. The UICC brings together more than 1,100 organisations across over 170 countries and territories to advance global cancer control.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NCS President and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, said her emergence represented a significant achievement for Nigeria, Africa and the global cancer community.
The society said her leadership could strengthen Africa’s representation in international cancer policy discussions, amplify the concerns of patients and survivors, and promote more equitable access to cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and care.
It also expressed confidence that her presidency would encourage stronger partnerships among cancer organisations, health institutions and governments, while supporting efforts to address inequalities in cancer services, particularly in low and middle income countries.
Shinkafi-Bagudu is a paediatrician and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, a Nigerian organisation involved in cancer awareness, patient support and advocacy for improved access to cancer services.
She has also served on the UICC Board for six years and was elected president-elect at the organisation’s 2024 General Assembly, before assuming the presidency this week.
In outlining her priorities for the 2026 to 2028 term, Shinkafi-Bagudu has emphasised stronger collaboration across the cancer community, reducing inequalities in access to services and keeping cancer control high on national and global health agendas.
The NCS said it remained committed to working with national and international partners through advocacy, public education, research and capacity building to reduce the burden of cancer and improve access to quality care.
Her appointment places an African cancer advocate at the head of a global organisation at a time when cancer prevention, early diagnosis and access to treatment remain major public health challenges across the continent.
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