Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu shared on LinkedIn;

“This week, I had the pleasure of hosting the Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD) team, led by Mr. Zweli Bashman and Dr. Priya Agrawal at the Foundation. We discussed the Nigerian cervical cancer control plan, in context of MSD’s strategy and WHO’s 90-70-90 Global Strategy.

Our conversation also addressed barriers in prevention, treatment, and vaccination against cervical cancer, illuminating the crucial role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and traditional institutions play in driving awareness and vaccination campaigns across Nigeria.

I introduced our PACE program (Patient Access to Cancer Programs) and expressed our enthusiasm about potential collaborations with MSD to make cancer care accessible and affordable.

Specifically, I am keen to see drugs like KEYTRUDA introduced to the African market and access programs. Keytruda used in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel, is indicated for the first-line treatment of metastatic squamous non-small cell lung carcinoma in adults.

The teams visit was quite timely as we prepare to roll out HPV vaccines in phase 2 states in Nigeria.”

Source: Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/LinkedIn

Her Excellency Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is the First Lady of Kebbi State, a global cancer advocate, a pediatrician, a UICC Board Member, a Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and the Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), a coalition of the spouses of current and former state governors in Nigeria who are working to address gaps in the cancer continuum of care.

In her role as the First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr Bagudu is working with the state ministries of health, education, and women affairs to implement programs to sustainably improve menstrual hygiene, girl-child education, economic empowerment of women, and put an end to gender-based violence. Her Excellency is a member of the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.