Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu has made history by becoming the first African and the fifth woman to be elected president of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for the 2024-2026 term. The UICC, a Geneva-based global organization focused on cancer control, elected her during its General Assembly held virtually on October 8, 2024.
A Nigerian pediatrician and cancer advocate, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu is known for her work through the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and her leadership roles in cancer prevention and treatment, both in Nigeria and internationally. She has also served as chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer and co-chaired Nigeria’s cervical cancer technical working group.
Her election has been hailed as a significant milestone for Africa and the global cancer community, with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu highlighting it as a reflection of her dedication to public health and cancer care worldwide.
