The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) held its 2026 General Assembly on October 20, bringing together member organizations to elect new leadership for the 2026–2028 term.
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu has officially assumed the role of UICC President, succeeding Prof. Ulrike Årehed Kågström, who served as President from 2024 to 2026. Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu, a Nigerian pediatrician and cancer advocate, is the founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, which works to improve cancer awareness, early detection, and access to care.
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu shared her statement on assuming the presidency on LinkedIn, outlining her priorities for advancing global cancer control:
“Statement on Assuming the Presidency of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
As I formally assume the Presidency of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), I do so with gratitude, humility and a clear understanding of the responsibility ahead.
Much has been said about this being a first for Africa. I appreciate the recognition and hope this milestone will encourage greater African participation in global cancer control. My priority remains the work ahead and the need for collective action to reduce the burden of cancer worldwide.
At the World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong last month, I spoke about the growing demand for cancer care, the high cost of treatment and the many families who struggle to access essential services. In marginalised and conflict-affected communities, these challenges are even greater.
With global health financing under pressure, countries must strengthen their capacity to prevent and control cancer while building regional partnerships. UICC’s ten-year strategic plan provides a framework for this work, bringing governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, civil society, survivors and philanthropists into the effort. I remain hopeful about the future of cancer care. Advances in diagnosis, treatment, digital health and AI, alongside growing local manufacturing and research capacity, offer opportunities to make care more accessible and affordable. Countries such as Egypt, Rwanda and India have made progress from which others can learn.
The World Cancer Declaration will continue to guide our work on equity, early detection, access to treatment, research and patient-centred care. My focus is to turn these commitments into practical action and measurable progress.
I thank the global cancer community for its support, especially the Nigerian community for the unity and support shown throughout this process. I accept this responsibility on behalf of us all and look forward to working with our members and partners to advance cancer control worldwide.
During the Assembly, members also elected Dr. C. S. Pramesh as President-Elect for the 2026–2028 term. Dr. Pramesh is Director of Tata Memorial Hospital and Convener of India’s National Cancer Grid, which works to improve cancer care through collaboration, research, and the promotion of evidence-based clinical practices.
Members also elected 14 Board members from a shortlist of 24 candidates, bringing together professionals from different regions and backgrounds to guide UICC’s work over the next two years.
Held every two years, the UICC General Assembly is the organization’s principal governing body. It brings together member organizations to review progress, establish priorities, and shape UICC’s efforts to reduce the global cancer burden, address inequalities in access to care, and advance cancer control on the global health agenda.
You can also read:
C. S. Pramesh Has Been Elected UICC President-Elect for the 2026–2028 Term
