Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu Named UICC President-Elect
The Nigerian advocate has become the first African to lead the Union for International Cancer Control.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Cancer
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Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu was elected president-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control during the World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong. She represents the first African leader in the organization's history, which oversees 1,100 member groups across 170 countries.
Why it matters
Her appointment signals a shift in global cancer policy toward low- and middle-income nations that face rising disease burdens. Shinkafi-Bagudu aims to bridge the gap in cancer care by advocating for a global financing mechanism similar to models used for HIV and tuberculosis.
In 2024, the world recorded 20.6 million cancer diagnoses and 9.8 million deaths. Current projections indicate that annual cases will rise 67% to 34 million by 2050, while only 14% of patients currently receive necessary palliative care.
The players
Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu
She is the president-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control and a former first lady of Kebbi state in Nigeria.
Union for International Cancer Control
This organization represents 1,100 member groups in 170 countries and works to coordinate global strategies to reduce cancer mortality.
The details
Shinkafi-Bagudu intends to use the UICC's network to standardize cancer service access, as less than half of the world's population currently has access to basic diagnostic services. Her experience includes serving as a senior adviser to the Nigerian health minister and implementing routine HPV immunization programs.
Timeline
2015-2023: Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu served as first lady of Kebbi state.
2023: Nigeria introduced a single-dose HPV vaccine into its routine immunization program.
2024: Global cancer diagnoses reached 20.6 million with 9.8 million deaths recorded.
September 2026: The World Cancer Congress took place in Hong Kong.
2050: Projected annual cancer cases are expected to reach 34 million.
Deeper Dive
Shinkafi-Bagudu plans to advocate for a global cancer financing platform modeled on the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This effort seeks to close the massive gap in cancer funding compared to the resources currently allocated to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The push for a global financing mechanism could eventually expand access to essential diagnostic services and palliative care for millions currently lacking such support. Patients in low- and middle-income regions may see increased availability of preventative measures like HPV vaccines as international policies evolve.
The takeaway
The election of a leader from Africa highlights the necessity of addressing health inequities in regions with the fastest-growing cancer burdens. Improving global coordination remains essential to reaching the target of a 25% reduction in cancer mortality by 2035.
Further reading
For more information on current initiatives, explore our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Guardian.
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