For Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, It’s a Proud Moment

“The bird that knows where it is going never gets lost in the sky.” Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu has always known her path. Now, she stands on a global stage as the newly elected President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). This achievement is more than personal; it is a moment of pride for all of Nigeria.

For Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu, this election is a culmination of years of dedication to cancer awareness and prevention. She is the first African and only the fifth woman to ever hold this prestigious position. The UICC, a Geneva-based organisation founded in 1933, boasts more than 1,100 member organisations in over 170 countries. Leading such a vast network is no small feat, but her competence has made it seem like second nature.

She has long been celebrated for her quiet but relentless work in healthcare. Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu has focused on improving cancer outcomes in Nigeria, especially for women and children. Her Medicaid Cancer Foundation has offered life-saving cancer screenings and treatments to thousands. Her work shows that even from a small corner, one can revolutionise the world.

Moreover, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s reach goes beyond borders. She serves on global boards and initiatives that tackle diseases like HPV and cervical cancer, and her influence extends to the WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative. Yet, through all her global engagements, her heart remains firmly committed to Nigeria, where she continues to fight for better healthcare access.

What makes Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu remarkable is her humility despite her towering achievements. She’s a quiet force, shaping the future of healthcare without seeking the limelight. Her work has saved lives, and uplifted communities, and now, as UICC President, she will change the global fight against cancer.

Given all these, and the outcome of the UICC election, President Bola Tinubu and other leaders have applauded Shinkafi-Bagudu’s win, recognising the magnitude of her accomplishment. Essentially, her leadership in the UICC will not only raise Nigeria’s profile but also address global challenges in cancer care and prevention.