Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Walkaway Cancer – 10 Years of Advocacy and Impact

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“This year’s “Walkaway Cancer” marked a milestone in our journey, celebrating a decade of cancer advocacy, with the theme “Honouring Heroes.” Every year, this 5 km walk in the capital city of Abuja brings together thousands of people for one purpose—to raise cancer awareness, support patients, and call for action from the government. On our 10th walk, we honored heroes; who are the patients who show resilience, the caregivers who provide unwavering support, and every health worker and individual who lends their time, voice, and resources to beat cancer. 

Looking back on this decade of impact, Walkaway Cancer has achieved far more than awareness; it has sustained momentum, built a strong network of partnerships, and fostered a passionate and united community. As I reflect, I would like to highlight some key elements that have made the journey significant:

1. Sustaining a Movement: 10 Years and Counting

Sustainability in healthcare advocacy is no small feat. Walkaway Cancer has consistently brought people together for a common cause, regardless of age, profession, or background. Each year, we’ve witnessed increasing numbers of people participating in the walk, helping us reach new audiences and spread our message further. Social media, celebrity endorsements, and participation have been a key success tool. We have kept it entertaining by incorporating attractions like royal horses and camels as well as self-made ‘I will be there’ banners which bring great traction annually.

2. Addressing Knowledge Gaps Through Cancer Awareness

In Nigeria, a lack of knowledge and awareness is one of the greatest challenges in combating cancer. Misconceptions about the disease often prevent people from seeking timely help or recognizing early symptoms. Cancer awareness remains at the core of the Walkaway Cancer event. Using exercise, billboards, mixing survivors, relatives, healthcare professionals, and passionate advocates, we have created a community conversation to dispel myths and educate the public. Over the years since the inception of the walk, there have been an estimated 4 million+ persons reached physically and via media. Knowledge is power – and through Walkaway Cancer, we empower communities to confront cancer head-on.

3. Strengthening Partnerships for Impact

The success of Walkaway Cancer is dependent on the incredible partnerships we have cultivated with local and international bodies, corporate organizations, medical and government agencies. We remind bodies of their corporate social responsibility and mobilize critical funds, resources, and expertise that we use to support cancer patients, and their caregivers, train health workers as well as fund early career researchers. Like the participants at the walk, the number and spread of partners grows each year, and have helped to solidify Medicaid Cancer Foundation as an organization committed to making a lasting impact.

4. Credible Patient Navigation and Screening

Credibility is paramount in healthcare advocacy. Through the Walkaway Cancer, we have earned the trust of countless individuals and families who view MEDICAID CANCER FOUNDATION as a trusted resource for navigating their cancer journeys. Over the years, many have turned to us for guidance, support, and treatment navigation. This trust is humbling, and it further fuels the team’s zeal. Additionally, screening services and vaccination have been an integral part of the campaign. We have registered a cumulative total of over 5,000+ individuals in 3 years, screened on the day of the walk, and 100+ young girls between the ages of 9 to 14 years vaccinated onsite against HPV in the 2023 and 2024 walks.

5. A thriving Community and movement

One of the most rewarding outcomes of Walkaway Cancer is the incredible community it has built. From survivors and families to healthcare and even business professionals, the event connects people who are passionate about advancing the cancer cause. Together, we have created a community that supports each other and works to champion better healthcare for all, even outside the event. The connections formed through Walkaway Cancer show us the strength of solidarity and the impact we can achieve when we come together.

6. Fund Raising And Patient Support

The Walkaway Cancer campaign has made a substantial impact on the lives of cancer patients, raising over N310+ million from donations, through the sale of walk kits, etc. This funding has enabled the campaign to donate over N100+ million to hospitals for direct patient support and to provide year-round assistance to patients under different programs in the foundation. An example of such a program is the PACE program.

Looking Ahead, What Next?

The strong platform built now looks towards a future of even greater impact. A future that holds immense promise and plans to revolutionize the fight against this disease. We will continue to

• Expand our reach
• Deliver access to accurate and timely information, resources, and support in the fight against cancer.
• Step up to the responsibility of incorporating new technologies, artificial intelligence, and treatment options
• Foster strong collaborations to accelerate research and improve patient outcomes.
• Continue to ramp up participation and hosting of clinical trials to advance evidence-based cancer treatments.
• Ultimately focus on building an indigent cancer treatment center. A center that will collaborate with other institutions to provide treatment for the less privileged.

I want to especially thank everyone who has walked alongside us, believed in our mission, and supported us along the way. Here’s to another decade of change, hope, and progress in the fight against cancer.”

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a global cancer advocate, a pediatrician, UICC President-Elect of 2024-2026, a UICC Board Member, a 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’s 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.

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