Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Founder and CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation and President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), shared on LinkedIn:
“Some of the most important work in healthcare happens around a table, where concerns are raised, ideas are shared and possible solutions begin to take shape.
Last Friday, I met with leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kebbi State, Oncology Nurses Association of Nigeria ONAN, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, MWAN Lagos, FRNDS.CO and NONA Cancer Foundation.
Each conversation was different, but aligned to our core mission at MEDICAID CANCER FOUNDATION to create better outcomes for cancer patients.
NMA Kebbi State Chairman, Dr Jamilu Mohammed, zoomed in on the realities facing doctors in the state, such as welfare and gaps in radiological services.
We discussed challenges and the need to find a sustainable solutions to reduce interstate travel for patients. We also talked about expanding cancer awareness to include childhood cancers such as retinoblastoma.
Ahead of the Association of Oncology Nurse’s October conference, Nurse Hauwa Lawal identified collaborative opportunities, particularly around capacity building on VIA and HPV sampling methods to improve early detection of cervical cancer. I advised the team on the importance of better coordination among organisations working in oncology.
I also welcomed the president of MWAN, Dr Zainab Mohammed and her exco. MWAN will be 50 this year! Our meeting focused on strengthening the organisation’s national presence and connecting its state chapters more closely with its activities. The 50th anniversary presents an opportunity to do this while extending their community impact through initiatives such as tree planting and afforestation.
Then came a conversation that brought a completely different kind of energy, the young creative advocates FRNDS.CO and NONA Cancer Foundation led by Ummi Umar Musa.
As much as I value conversations with experienced professionals, there is different vibe in sitting with young people who are full of ideas, enthusiasm and the belief that something can be done differently.
Their cancer awareness initiative is driven by their lived experience around cancer. Oluwatofunmi Adebayo lost his mother to the disease and this inspired him to successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro in a fundraising campaign called ‘Summit for Care’.
His target is to raise ₦40 million ($29,883) to support cancer care. The campaign has so far raised ₦3 million ($2,241) and I urge you to donate through this link.
Using their energy and storytelling skills, these young men and women bring a new angle to cancer and fundraising that is quite unique in Nigeria.
Partnerships must be approached with purpose. I am constantly considering what our strengths are and how to add value in a realistic and sustainable manner for patients, healthcare professionals and communities.
Grateful for the chance to do so both at home and beyond.”
