Dr Zainab, Kebbi State first lady, set to become first African UICC president

Dr Zainab, Kebbi State first lady, set to become first African UICC president

The First Lady of Kebbi State in Nigeria and founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, is contesting for president of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

The election will be held virtually on October 11th, 2022 at the UICC General Assembly.

This was made known in a statement signed by the president, Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Dr Adamu A Umar and made available to Neptune Prime on Thursday.

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According to the statement, Dr Zainab will become the first African to hold the position if she is elected.

The statement reads: “It is my singular privilege and honour to formally inform all Nigerians, especially Nigerian Cancer Stakeholders and our friends in the global community, of the nomination of Her Excellency Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, for the post of UICC President-elect 2022-2024.

“If elected, she will be the first African to hold this enviable position. She will; bring her wealth of experience in resource mobilisation strategies in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), support the elimination of WHO strategy on cervical cancer, and ensure that global cancer investment reaches Africa and LMICs.

“The Nigerian Cancer Society and all partner organisations are proud to celebrate this amazon whose dedication to the cause, as an iconic Paediatrician, a philanthropist and a foremost cancer advocate, has set a stellar track record of service, that is nationally and globally recognised.”

Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a Paediatric Consultant, a loud voice in the fight against cancer, a child’s rights advocate and a two-time member of the board of directors of UICC.

She obtained her MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine) from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria followed by specialist training in Paediatrics and Neonatology in the United Kingdom. Amongst other academic qualifications, she has a Master’s in Paediatrics, a Diploma in Tropical Child Health and is a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Closing the Care Gap in LMICs is central to Dr Bagudu’s mission plans whose mark has greatly impacted grassroots communities.

The NCS president urged Nigerians to support her candidacy to bring cancer care to vulnerable communities across the globe.

“I call on you all, to support her candidacy and intensify the campaign in support of this endeavour to bring cancer care to underserved communities across the globe.

“Her nomination and shortlist is the first win, and we must now unite to make it a complete victory, come October 11th by voting for Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu at the UICC General Assembly (virtual) ahead of the WCC in Geneva (in-person),” he said.