Her Story, Her Award: Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu’s Outstanding Philanthropy Recognized

Life often calls us to a purpose greater than ourselves—and for Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, that purpose has been crystal clear: to change the story of cancer care in Africa. Her journey, rooted in compassion, advocacy, and service, has made her one of the most influential voices in global health today.

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: A Calling Beyond Medicine

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, to Rakiya and Umaru Shinkafi, Zainab was raised with a deep appreciation for service,  education, and leadership. After attending Queen’s College Lagos, she earned her MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University and pursued further training in the UK, completing a Master’s in Pediatrics, a Diploma in Tropical Child Health, and becoming a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Source: Wikipedia

But it was not just medicine she would practice—it was purpose.

Photo from Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/Linkedin

When a Diagnosis Doesn’t Just Change One Life—It Changes a Mission

As a pediatrician, Dr. Bagudu encountered families torn apart by late-stage cancer diagnoses, especially among women and children. She saw the suffering caused not just by disease, but by inequity, lack of access, and silence. Determined to change this, she founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) to break the cycle.

What started as community outreach and screening drives has since grown into one of Nigeria’s most impactful health-focused nonprofits—hosting the annual #WalkAwayCancer campaign, launching mass screenings, funding patient treatments, and driving health education.

Global Impact, Local Roots

Dr. Bagudu’s work transcends borders. She is the President-Elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for 2024–2026, a historic role that highlights her leadership in the global oncology community. She also serves on the boards of GIAHC, acts as a technical advisor to the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, is an ambassador for the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, and is an active member of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Yet, even with these titles, her greatest impact may be in the lives she touches every day—patients, families, and communities who now have hope where there was once only despair.

When Recognition Reflects a Movement

In 2025, her journey reached a powerful milestone. At the HerStory Awards Africa, Dr. Bagudu was named Outstanding Philanthropist—an award that recognizes not just generosity, but the transformative impact of intentional giving and advocacy.

The HerStory Awards also featured her as one of 40+ inspiring women in the anthology:
“Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change”—a collection of powerful narratives curated by journalist Stephanie Busari.

“Ecstatic to receive the Outstanding Philanthropist Award at #HerStoryAwards Africa 2025! All of us at MCF are committed to providing better health, education, and empowerment for African women. This is YOUR award.” – Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu

Photo from Stephanie Busari/X

The HerStory Movement: Where Voices Rise and Change Begins

What began as a simple idea—a space to celebrate African women changemakers—has grown into a global storytelling platform. Led by Stephanie Busari, an Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist with over 25 years of experience at CNN, BBC, and Essence, HerStory amplifies voices that often go unheard.

Photo of Stephanie Busari from stephaniebusari.com

Stephanie’s legacy includes groundbreaking work—like her reporting on the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping, which reshaped international awareness and response. Today, through SBB Media, her strategic communications firm, she continues to empower African leaders and brands to tell their stories with authenticity and impact.

“Every woman has a story worth telling. Our mission is to ensure these stories inspire generations to come.” – Stephanie Busari 

HerStory is now a vibrant ecosystem:

• A platform for storytelling and mentorship

• A hub for African women leaders to connect

• A space to spark change through narrative power

A Legacy of Empowerment and Hope

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu’s journey is more than a biography—it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when compassion meets action. From local clinics in Nigeria to global health panels, from grassroots outreach to international recognition, her life reminds us that one voice, one mission, one woman can indeed change the world.

And this is just the beginning.

Want to be part of a growing community of women changemakers?
Explore the powerful anthology Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change by Stephanie Busari and discover the stories that are shaping Africa’s future.

Want to hear more from Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu? Check out her inspiring journey on OncoDaily.

By: Md Foorquan Hashmi, MD, Sr. Editor, OncoDaily: India Bueura