Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, UICC President-Elect of 2024-2026, Founder and CEO of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“The WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, developed by World Health Organization in collaboration with the IARC – International Agency for Research on Cancer / World Health Organization, provides a critical assessment of global progress and the remaining challenges in cancer control.
Some highlights include the growing adoption of National Cancer Control Plans, with 82% of countries reporting dedicated plans by 2021, and the inclusion of HPV vaccination in national immunization programmes by 85% of countries. It also emphasizes the importance of placing people affected by cancer at the centre of cancer systems.
However, significant gaps remain. Only 45% of countries have adopted HPV-based cervical cancer screening, with screening coverage at 26% in LMICs, compared with 74% in high-income countries. Limited access to diagnostics, treatment services, radiotherapy, essential medicines, palliative care, and a skilled oncology workforce continue to affect equitable cancer outcomes.
These priorities closely align with Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan NCCP Nigeria (2026–2030) and our work at MEDICAID CANCER FOUNDATION, some of which are cancer prevention, cervical cancer elimination, policy engagement, workforce development, and expanding access to quality care through the PACE (Patient Access to Cancer Care) initiative.
The findings also reinforce the commitments outlined in the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Declaration 2025–2035, which calls for stronger cancer control planning, improved cancer information systems, investment in research and innovation, and people-centred care.
I am particularly encouraged by the recognition of lived experience in the report and extremely proud that a member of my team, Muktar Abubakar, contributed perspectives on oncology workforce challenges, reflecting realities experienced across many health systems. In addition to Muktar, Unekwu Hadiza A-Arome and my humble self were acknowledged for our contributions.
Congratulations to World Health Organization , IARC, and all those who contributed to this important report. We are all steadfast in our goal of equitable cancer care.”
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