Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: It was nice to catch up with other UICC members from francophone countries
Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu
“As a member of the steering committee of a Coalition to Strengthen the HPV Immunization Community- an joint initiative between the University of Antwerp, London School of Tropical Medicine and Jhpigo, funded by Bill and Melinda Gates; I attended the 3rd Symposium in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from December 6 to 7, 2023.
One of the unique features of CHIC is ifostering communication between stakeholders in GAVI-eligible countries, creating a space for advancing science, developing evidence-based policies, and managing programs effectively.
The symposium’s theme, “HPV Vaccination Programs: From Pre-introduction Planning to Restoration and Sustainability, allowed Countries to share different aspects of their HPV vaccination program.
I chaired a session on communication; with participants from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameron and Nigeria. Elizabeth Hassan from our National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, gave a great summary of the HPV vaccine roll out. Despite a lot of misinformation, 4.6 million doses have been delivered to girls aged 9-14 across 16 states.
The country-to-country learning opportunities helps us ensure the HPV vaccination pillar of the cervical cancer elimination program is met.
It was nice to catch up with other UICC members from francophone countries like the lovely Fatou, Alima, and Prof Nayi Zongo. Just as we are able to overcome the language barrier, we are going to join our forces to overcome barriers to HPV vaccination in West Africa.
Thank you to the wonderful CHIC team- Alex, Nayab, Ricardo, Xenia and all the local staff for orchestrating a wonderful symposium. I didn’t get to see much of Abidjan this trip so I definitely have to go back soon.”
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.
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