The First Ladies Against Cancer – We have Only Just Begun
Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, UICC President-Elect of 2024-2026 and a Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“The First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) Coalition is an alliance of spouses of current and former Governors of Nigeria. We work together through; education, policy advocacy, and improving access to care, to reduce the cancer burden in our states.
Wrapping up Cancer Survivors Month, we held a two-day programme in Lagos on 27th and 28th June, bringing together First Ladies, dignitaries, cancer champions, partners, and community leaders to strengthen our shared commitment to cancer control in Nigeria.
The programme opened with a closed-door strategy session featuring the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment. Through this, we aim to strengthen evidence-based advocacy and support the agency’s growth. An evening gala to celebrate cancer survivors followed the next day, where we launched the Friends of FLAC Network, bringing together 19 committed leaders across sectors. The selection of Friends of FLAC was done after careful thought and consultations, resulting in a final list of high-level individuals and even young changemakers. They will contribute expertise spanning Finance, Policy, Communications, and Community Engagement to expand our advocacy and support for patients.
FLAC also announced a N10 million (approx. $6,800) donation to assist cancer survivors, underscoring our commitment to meaningful, tangible impact.
Highlights included the screening of “What I Do Not Know Will Not Kill Me,” artistic performances celebrating resilience, and the launch of the book “Renewed Hope for Cancer Patients,” offering knowledge and encouragement to those on their cancer journeys.
Having Professor Usman Aliyu Director General of National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment; Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General/CEO of National Health Insurance Authority of Nigeria, and Senator Dr Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority of Nigeria Governing Council, present was another high point. These agencies hold the key to unlocking solutions for improving access to treatment. As Dr. Ohiri said:
“Universal health coverage is the only sustainable path to ensuring cancer patients can get the care they need without financial hardship.”
This event also marked the end of my four-year tenure as Chairperson of FLAC. It is with genuine pleasure and deep fulfillment that I hand over leadership to H.E. Barr. Chioma Uzodimma the First Lady of Imo State. I look forward to sharing a full report on my stewardship, lessons learned, and continuing challenges as FLAC moves forward.
Grateful to all our planners, attendees, and partners for making this journey successful, including our team from Roche and Mukhtasar M. Alkali for their tireless efforts. We have only just begun.”
More posts featuring Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu.
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Challenging the Status Quo in Colorectal Cancer 2024
December 6-8, 2024
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ESMO 2024 Congress
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ASCO Annual Meeting
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023