Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu has been appointed as the new president of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), marking the first time an African leader has held the position. Her appointment comes at a critical time as international health experts warn of a significant surge in cancer cases globally. Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu has emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that cancer rates are expected to triple, necessitating a robust and coordinated global response.

In her advocacy work, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu has highlighted the human impact of the disease, sharing the story of a young patient named Gloria. Gloria, who suffered from advanced breast cancer that had metastasized to her bones and lungs, was recently seen by Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu at a global conference in Hong Kong. Despite the severity of her condition, Gloria was actively participating in patient advocacy sessions. This personal narrative serves as a focal point for Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s mission to improve patient outcomes and increase awareness of the disease's growing prevalence. As she steps into this leadership role, her stated goal is to mobilize international resources to combat the rising tide of cancer diagnoses, particularly in regions that currently lack adequate infrastructure for early detection and treatment.