Unekwu Hadiza A-Arome: The first time an African has been elected to lead UICC

Unekwu Hadiza A-Arome, Operations Manager at Medicaid Cancer Foundation, posted on X:

“Heartfelt congratulations to my boss Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu on her election as President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for the 2024-2026 term!

This historic win marks the first time an African has been elected to lead this prestigious global organization. Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s 30 years of dedicated service in healthcare, her leadership as founder of the MEDICAID CANCER FOUNDATION and her roles as a Senior Advisor to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Vice Chair of Nigeria’s National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, demonstrate her unwavering commitment to improving cancer care and global health.

This campaign has had its share of highs and lows. There were moments of intense pressure, where it seemed the road ahead was uncertain. We faced stiff competition and moments of doubt, overcame logistical hurdles, but through it all, her resilience and grace carried us forward.

We reached out to hundreds of CEOs and UICC members across continents, not just to ask for votes but to listen—to truly understand their needs and challenges. It was this ability to connect with people on such a personal level that made this campaign stand out.

A special thank you to everyone who stood with us: the tireless advocates, clinicians.”