H.E. Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is the President-Elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and one of Africa’s leading advocates for cancer equity. She founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, which has expanded access to screening, treatment support, and cancer awareness across Nigeria. As Chair of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), she has driven national reforms in women’s cancer prevention and early detection, strengthening policy and health-system responses.
She serves on the advisory board of the Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer (GIAHC) and as an Ambassador for World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Her series “United Against Cancer” in OncoDaily has discussed the most relevant challenges in cancer care and possible actions to overcome them with global leaders around the world.
She is a pediatrician, cancer advocate, and global health leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing cancer awareness, prevention, and access to care, particularly in underserved and rural communities. She is widely recognized for her leadership in women’s and childhood cancer advocacy across Nigeria and the Global South. As Former First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu led key public health initiatives, including the development of a comprehensive cancer control plan and expansion of HPV vaccination for girls.
The 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in 2025 recognizes the changemakers in cancer care who have helped shape current practice in oncology and continue to drive innovation and research towards better outcomes, advocacy, philanthropy, leadership and education. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Influential People in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for the results of special category nominations to be announced.
