The First Lady of Kebbi State, Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, has been shortlisted as the president-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control, an organisation based in Switzerland that unites and supports the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity and to ensure that cancer control continues to be a priority in the world health and development agenda. While congratulating her on her nomination, President Muhammadu Buhari also mandated the Federal Ministry of Health and Foreign Affairs to do all it can to provide her with the support she needs to ensure her success in the forthcoming elections.
Being shortlisted to lead the organisation is not out of place as not only is Bagudu an advocate of children’s and women’s health, she is also a well-known Global Cancer Advocate.
A consultant paediatrician, Mrs Bagudu is also the founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, which she started in the course of looking after children and their mothers started confronting her with their medical issues and requesting assistance, particularly around breast and cervical cancer.
MCF creates awareness on health matters, trains health workers and funds the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients in Nigeria. Over the last four years, the foundation has raised over N100 million for the treatment and support of cancer patients.
Mrs Bagudu has served on many technical committees, including the steering committee for the National Cancer Control plan and a ministerial committee to build world-class diagnostic centres in six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Bagudu obtained her MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine) from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria then went on to specialize in Paediatrics and Neonatology in the United Kingdom. She has a Master’s degree in Paediatrics, a Diploma in Tropical Child Health. She is also a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
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