First African UICC President Leads Global Cancer Action 2026

Cancer is tripling in low- and middle-income countries, and the first African to lead global action against the disease is ready for battle. Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a Nigerian paediatrician and cancer advocate, has been elected president of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), becoming the first African to head the organisation. Her election comes at a critical time, as cancer cases and deaths are projected to rise sharply, with the greatest increases expected in poorer nations.

A Historic Election Amid a Growing Crisis

Bagudu's election is a milestone for global health equity. "The fact that it took so long is a reflection of the inadequacy of cancer care along the entire spectrum in Africa and other low- and middle-income countries," she said. The UICC, which recently held its World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong with over 2,000 attendees from 124 countries, now looks to Bagudu to steer its global strategy.

The Rising Cancer Burden in the Global South

Countries across the global south are facing a dual challenge: a growing cancer burden and severe shortages of diagnostic equipment, medicines, and trained personnel. According to the World Health Organization, cancer cases in Africa are expected to nearly double by 2040. Without urgent action, millions will die unnecessarily.

Dr Bagudu's Vision for Global Cancer Action

Bagudu brings a unique perspective as a paediatrician and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation in Nigeria. She has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of late diagnosis and limited treatment options. Her vision includes strengthening health systems, increasing access to affordable cancer care, and advocating for policy changes at the highest levels.

• Early detection: Expand screening programs in underserved communities.
• Affordable treatment: Negotiate lower drug prices and improve supply chains.
• Capacity building: Train more oncologists and healthcare workers in low-resource settings.
• Global solidarity: Ensure high-income countries support cancer control in poorer nations.

A Personal Mission: From Abuja to Hong Kong

Bagudu often shares the story of Gloria, a young breast cancer patient she met in Abuja. When Gloria's cancer had spread to her bones and lungs, she was critically ill. Months later, at the World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong, Bagudu saw Gloria walking with a stick, attending sessions, and advocating for other patients. "I saw her hopping on the corridor here. I was shocked," Bagudu recalled. This transformation underscores the power of proper care and the resilience of patients.

FAQ

Dr Bagudu's leadership signals a new era in global cancer control. Her battle is not just against the disease, but against the inequities that allow it to thrive. With cancer tripling in vulnerable regions, her mission is urgent—and she is ready.