October 09, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu on her historic election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Shinkafi-Bagudu, a distinguished paediatrician, public health expert and former First Lady of Kebbi State, is the first African and the fifth woman to lead the prestigious global cancer control organisation.
In a statement on Wednesday, President Tinubu hailed Shinkafi-Bagudu’s election as a reflection of her outstanding competence, character, and leadership in global health.
The President emphasised that her election serves as a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage, particularly in the field of cancer control and healthcare leadership.
“Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu’s election to this prominent position highlights her decades-long commitment to improving cancer care, not only in Nigeria but globally.
“As the Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative and the founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, she has played a pivotal role in advancing cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment in Nigeria.
“Her efforts also led to the development of the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control during her tenure as First Lady”, he said.
President Tinubu commended Shinkafi-Bagudu for “these contributions and expressed confidence in her ability to leverage her new role at the UICC to improve cancer control worldwide, particularly in underserved regions like Africa.
In alignment with Shinkafi-Bagudu’s efforts, Nigeria has made significant strides in combatting cervical cancer through a national vaccination programme.
With the help of international partnerships, the country has successfully vaccinated 12 million girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer.
The Federal Government has further demonstrated its commitment to cancer care by allocating N37.4 billion to the Oncology Initiative under the Federal Ministry of Health. This funding will support the establishment of six specialized cancer centersbacross Nigeria within two years.
The centres are to be located in teaching hospitals in Benin, Zaria, Katsina, Enugu, Jos, and Lagos.
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is one of the oldest and most influential cancer organisations globally.
Founded in 1933, it has its headquarter in Geneva, Switzerland. The UICC comprises over 1,100 member organisations from more than 170 countries and territories.
They are all dedicated to reducing the global cancer burden and advancing cancer prevention and control measures.
President Tinubu further expressed his confidence in Shinkafi-Bagudu’s leadership and her ability to spearhead new initiatives that will improve global health and cancer care through her new position.
