Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, UICC President-Elect of 2024-2026, Founder and CEO of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, shared on LinkedIn:
“The Best of ASCO Africa 2026 Conference brought together oncology experts, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and advocates to advance discussions on improving cancer care across Africa.
Under the theme, “From Global Discovery to Local Delivery: Driving Africa to the Cutting Edge of Cancer Care,” the conference, organized under the auspices of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC- Africa), explored priorities including early detection, equitable access to diagnostics and treatment, oncology workforce development, immunotherapy, precision medicine, and increasing African representation in clinical trials.
I am pleased that my team from MEDICAID CANCER FOUNDATION was represented at the conference and Pharm. Aisha Mohammed, who represented me on a panel session moderated by Julie S. Torode, “Financing Cancer Therapies in Africa: Who Pays?” She highlighted the importance of dedicating a portion of tax revenue to healthcare, including cancer care, as a sustainable approach to expanding access to treatment and reducing the financial burden on patients.
The discussions reflected many of the priorities highlighted in the World Health Organization Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, including stronger cancer systems, workforce investment, equitable access to quality care, and patient-centred approaches.
The conference concluded with a clear call to action: Conferences do not change outcomes—people and policies do. Another important message echoed throughout the meeting was that innovation is key to helping our patients, and its value lies in how effectively it is translated into better care.
Congratulations to the chairs (Miriam Mutebi, Prof. ISAAC ADEWOLE, Dr. Abiola Ibraheem, and the Planning Committee for delivering a successful conference and advancing collaboration for better cancer outcomes across Africa.”
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