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Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Today is Universal Health Coverage Day

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/LinkedIn

Dec 12, 2024, 09:26

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Today is Universal Health Coverage Day

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Global Cancer Advocate, UICC President-Elect of 2024-2026 and Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, posted the following on LinkedIn:

“Today is Universal Health Coverage Day.

Leading up to the day, I participated in a thematic dialogue led by UNFoundation on Investing in Non Communicable Diseases and Mental Health.

The event was co-hosted by the Group of Friends of UHC (led by Antigua and Barbuda, Belgium, Ghana, Georgia, Japan, and Thailand), along with the World Health Organization.

Technical experts, and key stakeholders postulated ways to address the critical gaps in financing and ways to better care NCDs and mental health.

I’m encouraged the foundation is placing NCDs and mental health as a priority. Kudos to Ahmed Ogwell -and his team.

My presentation emphasized the urgent need for robust investments in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health—issues that continue to devastate lives, families, and economies, especially in low-income countries.

By prioritizing NCDs and mental health, we not only save lives but also reduce the catastrophic financial burden on households and build healthier, more resilient communities.

This UHC Day, I call on global leaders to transform commitments into action, and invest in equitable and sustainable health systems.”

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu

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.