Nigerian paediatrician and cancer advocate Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is making history as the first African to lead the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), a global organisation focused on preventing and controlling cancer.
Her new leadership comes at a time when cancer cases are increasing rapidly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The latest global estimates show that 20.6 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2024, while about 9.8 million people died from the disease. The number of cases is projected to rise significantly by 2050, with poorer countries expected to experience some of the biggest increases.
Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu has spent years advocating for better cancer care and greater access to treatment, especially in Nigeria and other African countries. She is the founder and chief executive of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and has worked on cancer awareness, prevention and access to treatment.
Speaking about Africa’s cancer challenges, she highlighted the need for stronger investment in research, early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. She also pointed to shortages of medical equipment, medicines, trained specialists and funding as major challenges facing cancer care across the continent.
Her achievement is being seen as an important moment for Africa because it gives the continent greater representation in global discussions about cancer control. Her leadership is expected to focus attention on the difficulties faced by patients in Africa and other parts of the Global South.
The development also highlights the growing role of African health professionals in international health leadership.
