Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: A powerful reminder of the work that lies ahead in the global fight against cancer

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Day 3 of the World Cancer Congress 2024 was a powerful reminder of the work that lies ahead in the global fight against cancer.

I had the opportunity to participate in the high-level session ‘Fighting Cancer Around the World: A Framework for Action,’ alongside renowned cancer leaders such as Ying Wang (China Anti-Cancer Association), Eduardo Cazap MD (SLACOM), CS Pramesh, Tata Memorial and Dr. Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, MD, PMP(Qatar Cancer). The day was moderated by multitalented Denis Horgan, Ph.D of the European Alliance for Personalized Medicine (EAPM), where I serve on the advisory board.

We discussed various strategies employed across regions and the gaps that still need to be addressed. I contributed to this session by highlighting the urgency of tackling the implementation gap through healthcare innovation—particularly in LMICs, where healthcare systems are often under-resourced.

For 3 days, I held useful discussions with various partners such as the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, ABC Global Alliance, The Global Surgery Foundation, PinkDrive. I am looking forward to taking these conversations deeper, and developing work plans- so that we can equalize cancer care for all.

Some key takeaways for me WCC2024 are

• the urgent need to improve outcomes for women’s cancers
• address the unique challenges posed by childhood cancers.
• the impact of socio-economic factors on cancer recovery
• Key role of industry partners (my best session)
• the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in cancer treatment
• the importance of expanding care to vulnerable populations, including refugees and displaced communities.

The closing ceremony, led by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) President Professor Jeff Dunn AO and President-elect Ulrika Årehed Kågström, reaffirmed UICC’s commitment to advancing global cancer control.

I congratulate the entire Congress planning team, sponsors, and all UICC members. It is very heartening and an immense source of pride to be part of this community.

Certainly, there has been progress. However, much more work is needed to be done, and I strongly believe that it is only through collaboration that we can ensure equitable access to cancer care for all and ultimately win this fight against cancer.”

Source: Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/LinkedIn

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a global cancer advocate, a pediatrician, a UICC Board Member,  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 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.