Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, CEO of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, shared on LinkedIn:
“70th IAEA General Conference: Strengthening Access to Cancer Care.
In Vienna, I had the privilege of participating as a panellist in the scientific session on ‘Strengthening Access to Cancer Care‘ at the 70th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference – How do we turn commitments into services that are accessible, affordable, quality-assured and sustainable for every cancer patient?
For me, this speaks to work and partnerships that extend beyond this week’s conversations.
As the leader of the Medicaid Cancer Foundtaion, I have had the opportunity to engage with the IAEA on capacity-building, technical learning and discussions around strengthening cancer control implementation and planning. Last year, I chaired the iMpact review committee on breast cancer. We also received a delegation from the Rays of Hope program and one of its partners- China Nuclear Agency.
Equally, the partnership between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is long standing. By aligning and supporting programs at UICC like World Cancer Congress and Cancer Planners Forum, capacity is built across members.
Although Radiation and Nuclear energy are critical to cancer diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, access is unequal across the world. Members of IAEA from LMICs thus stand to gain from training fellowships.
As we look ahead to the 2027 World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, the return of this major global cancer leadership gathering to Africa will enable partners move beyond talk and establish working relationships. Our plans must place African realities, experiences and priorities at the centre of the global cancer conversation.
By working through our local nuclear agencies, we can collaborate strongly with the IAEA. Thus, countries ensure that the potential of nuclear science and radiation medicine is better integrated into broader cancer control efforts across the continent.
Africa cannot afford fragmented approaches to cancer control. We need stronger collaboration between governments, international agencies, cancer organisations, professionals, advocates, patients and communities – with solutions shaped by the realities of the countries we seek to serve.
Thank you for the invitation Lisa Steven. I acknowledge the distinguished panellists and participants as well as all our partners who continue to work towards a world where geography or ability to pay does not determine who gets access to quality cancer care.
Cancer care must be accessible, equitable, sustainable and patient-centred. And achieving this will require all of us to work together.”
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