The First Lady of Kebbi state, Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, has been nominated for the presidency of the Union for International Cancer Control.
The UICC, which represents the world’s major cancer societies, ministries of health, and patient groups, also includes influential policy makers, researchers, and experts in cancer prevention and control.
The organisation is dedicated to taking the lead in capacity building and advocacy initiatives that unite and support the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity, and to ensure cancer control continues to be a priority in the world health and development agenda.
The other nominees for the position are Ulrika Kagstrom of Sweden and Daiming Fan of China.
Bagudu said if she is elected president of the organisation, she would address global cancer inequities – between countries and within countries we need to adopt a fresh narrative and a renewed global perspective.
She said, “If I am fortunate enough to become your President, with your support, I am the person that will drive that change.
“Although the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the conversation on health inequalities, Cancer is still struggling to be part of discussions on the response.
As President, I will focus on accessibility, affordability, and availability of the tools we all need to fight these diseases. Cancer patients in high-income countries are exploring the benefits of cancer innovations like genomic science, cutting edge clinical trials, and the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence. I want this for all countries, along with the research skills to adapt their use to support patients’ needs locally. Cancer Patients in many LMICs are already bearing the brunt of cancer-related mortality often with little access to cancer management, pain medication and palliative care.”
As the First Lady of Kebbi State and Chairperson of First Ladies against Cancer initiative of Nigeria, she has contributed in placing cancer prevention and cancer control in the spotlight on the global, regional, and national stage.