Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Chairing Nigeria’s Cancer Network to Address Survivors’ Needs

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu shared a post on Linkedin:

”I take my role as Chair of the Network of Persons Impacted by Cancer, Nigeria very seriously as it gives me the chance to interact directly with survivors and understand their needs.

Their problems cover a wide range and include issues like access, transportation, stigma, sexual and reproductive limitations, remission, mental stress, unemployment, etc.

Thus, I am elated to be invited to join the advisory board of the International Cancer Patient Coalition (ICPC). It’s crucial that those with lived experiences have a seat at the table in all our advocacy efforts and when formulating policies.

During the recent United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, a gathering of stakeholders held a meeting at the UN aimed at tackling the global cancer crisis through innovation and collaboration. It was sponsored by the Irish mission and in attendance were the Deputy Irish Ambassador, representative of the Cancer Moonshot, City Cancer Challenge, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Presidential Women’s Cancer Initiative, Egypt, as well as leading experts from each continent.

Emphasis was placed on how to identify best practices in prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, and addressing inequalities in access to care. I look forward to a clear work plan and structure of the ICPC that will ensure the patient perspective is at the forefront of cancer interventions.”

Source: Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/Linkedin

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a global cancer advocate, a pediatrician, a UICC Board Member,  Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and the Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC). Dr. Bagudu is working with the state ministries of health, education, and women affairs to implement programs to sustainably improve menstrual hygiene, girl-child education, economic empowerment of women, and put an end to gender-based violence. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a member of the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.