Nigeria’s Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu has made history after assuming the presidency of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), becoming the first African and Nigerian to lead the influential global organization.
Shinkafi-Bagudu’s appointment for the 2026–2028 term represents a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, offering an opportunity to bring the continent’s cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment challenges into sharper focus on the international stage.
The Nigerian Cancer Society announced the development on Tuesday, describing her emergence as a significant achievement for the country, the continent and the global cancer community.
A paediatrician, cancer advocate and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Shinkafi-Bagudu has spent years campaigning for greater cancer awareness, early detection and improved access to treatment, particularly for underserved communities.
Her new role comes at a time when many African countries continue to face serious obstacles in cancer care, including inadequate medical infrastructure, limited diagnostic facilities, high treatment costs and shortages of specialized healthcare professionals.
The Nigerian Cancer Society said her emergence followed years of dedicated service, leadership and advocacy for equitable access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.
According to the organization, her presidency presents an opportunity to amplify the concerns of patients and survivors, strengthen partnerships among cancer organizations and mobilize additional resources for countries struggling with inadequate healthcare services.
The society also expressed optimism that her leadership would encourage stronger international cooperation and help address inequalities that often determine whether patients receive timely and effective treatment.
Beyond the historic significance of her appointment, Shinkafi-Bagudu’s leadership could strengthen advocacy for better cancer policies, increased research funding and improved access to treatment across Africa.
In Nigeria, where cancer awareness, early diagnosis and affordable treatment remain major public health concerns, her international platform is expected to complement ongoing efforts to improve patient outcomes.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Professor Abidemi Omonisi, congratulated Shinkafi-Bagudu, expressing confidence that her tenure would strengthen global solidarity and accelerate progress towards more equitable cancer prevention and care.
The society urged governments, healthcare institutions, development partners and advocacy groups to turn the milestone into practical action capable of improving the lives of patients, survivors and caregivers.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with local and international stakeholders to promote public education, research, capacity building and access to quality cancer services.
Shinkafi-Bagudu’s emergence also places Africa’s healthcare priorities at the centre of a global conversation about cancer control, particularly the need to ensure that access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment is not determined by a person’s income or geographical location.
Her two-year presidency is expected to provide a platform for stronger advocacy on the continent’s cancer burden and the need for sustained investment in healthcare systems.
For Nigeria, her achievement represents both a moment of national pride and an opportunity to push for practical improvements in cancer care at home and across Africa.
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