Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu has officially assumed the presidency of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for the 2026–2028 term, beginning a new chapter in the organisation’s leadership and its efforts to address the global burden of cancer.
The leadership transition took place during the UICC General Assembly on October 20, 2026, following her election as President-elect in 2024. She succeeds Ulrika Årehed Kågström, who served as UICC President from 2024 to 2026.
Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation in Nigeria, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu has served on the UICC Board for six years and has been actively involved in advancing the organisation’s strategic priorities over the past two years.
Her presidency comes at a time when increasing demand for cancer services, rising treatment costs and persistent inequalities in healthcare access continue to place pressure on health systems worldwide.
A New Presidency, A Shared Global Responsibility
In her first address as UICC President, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu expressed gratitude to her predecessor, Ulrika Årehed Kågström, for her leadership and contributions during the previous two years.
She also congratulated the newly elected President-elect, Dr. CS Pramesh, and members of the UICC Board of Directors for 2026–2028, recognising their expertise, leadership and commitment to reducing the global burden of cancer.
Outlining her priorities for the coming term, she emphasised stronger international collaboration, improved access to cancer services and the importance of maintaining cancer control as a priority on national and global health agendas.
“It is a great honour to take on the UICC presidency at a time when our collective action has never been more important. As President, I want to help turn the extraordinary progress we are making in cancer research and care into meaningful change for people everywhere. No country can meet this challenge alone. By working across borders, sharing knowledge and experience, and building stronger partnerships, we can close the gaps that continue to cost lives.”
— Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, UICC President, 2026–2028
Beyond a Historic First: A Presidency Focused on Action
In a statement marking the beginning of her presidency, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu reflected on the significance of her appointment and the responsibility of leading an international organisation dedicated to cancer control.
Acknowledging the attention surrounding her presidency as a historic first for Africa within UICC, she stressed that the significance of her appointment extends beyond individual recognition or national identity.
She described the presidency as a collective responsibility to address a disease that affects communities across every region of the world.
Her statement also reflected on discussions at the World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong, where she addressed the increasing demand for cancer care, the financial burden of treatment and the difficulties faced by families seeking essential healthcare services.
These challenges, she noted, are particularly severe in marginalised and conflict-affected communities, where access to diagnosis, treatment and supportive care may be further restricted.
Strengthening Cancer Control Amid Global Financial Pressures
With global health financing facing increasing constraints, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu identified the need for countries to strengthen their domestic capacity for cancer prevention and control while expanding regional and international partnerships.
She highlighted UICC’s ten-year strategic plan as an important framework for bringing together governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, civil society organisations, cancer survivors and philanthropic partners.
Her approach places particular emphasis on cooperation between countries, knowledge exchange and the development of sustainable cancer control systems capable of responding to growing healthcare needs.
By strengthening national capabilities alongside international partnerships, the new UICC leadership aims to support progress in cancer prevention, early detection and access to treatment.
Innovation, Research and the Future of Accessible Cancer Care
Despite the challenges facing global cancer control, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu expressed optimism about developments that could improve the accessibility and affordability of cancer services.
She highlighted advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, digital health and artificial intelligence as important opportunities for healthcare systems.
She also pointed to expanding local manufacturing and research capabilities as areas that could contribute to more sustainable and affordable cancer care.
Referring to progress achieved in countries including Egypt, Rwanda and India, she emphasised the value of sharing national experiences and identifying approaches that other healthcare systems may adapt.
These developments, together with stronger regional partnerships, form part of her broader vision for improving cancer outcomes and reducing disparities in access to essential services.
From Global Commitments to Measurable Progress
A central priority of Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s presidency will be translating international commitments into practical improvements in cancer prevention and care.
She reaffirmed the importance of the World Cancer Declaration in guiding UICC’s work on health equity, early detection, access to treatment, research and patient-centred care.
Her stated objective is to move beyond commitments and ensure that global cancer control initiatives produce measurable results for patients and communities.
In concluding her statement, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu thanked the international cancer community for its support, with particular recognition of the Nigerian community for the unity and encouragement demonstrated throughout the leadership transition.
She reaffirmed her commitment to working alongside UICC members and partners to advance cancer control worldwide.
As UICC begins its 2026–2028 leadership term, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s presidency places international cooperation, equitable access to cancer services and measurable progress at the centre of the organisation’s priorities.
Watch Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu’s full statement: Full Video
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