The founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, a consultant paediatrician, and a member of the Nigerian Cancer Society and the American Society for Clinical Oncology, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, has emerged the President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control.
The UICC announced this in a statement on its website on Tuesday.
The UICC is the oldest and largest global membership organisation dedicated to taking action on cancer
The statement noted that the UICC’s General Assembly took place virtually on Tuesday and was chaired by outgoing President, Prof Jeff Dunn.
Dunn provided a review of the organisation’s performance over the past two years, highlighting achievements such as the success of the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit and the World Cancer Congress.
He also noted the dedication and resilience of cancer organisations around the world as they continued to work towards more equitable access to cancer prevention, treatment, and care in their regions.
In his presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of UICC, Cary Adams, expressed his deepest gratitude to Dunn for his leadership and dedication during a time when he faced significant personal challenges.
Adams also welcomed Ulrika as UICC’s new President, looking forward to her vision for the future.
“At today’s UICC General Assembly, full members from across the globe united virtually to welcome Ulrika Årehed Kågström as the new President and elect the Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term, including the new President-elect, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu from Nigeria.
“Following the voting process, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu from Nigeria was elected as President-elect. Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu is founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, a consultant paediatrician, and a member of the Nigerian Cancer Society and the American Society for Clinical Oncology,” the statement partly read.
Our correspondent gathered that Kågström was elected as president-elect in 2022, and takes over as President today; while Shinkafi-Bagudu got elected as presiden-elect today, and will take over as president from 2026-2028.
In her acceptance, Shinkafi-Bagudu expressed appreciation for the global support, saying “Thank you for your trust and confidence placed in me, I am especially honoured to work with all of you towards accelerating global cancer control under the umbrella of our great organisation. I will be an interactive leader who will lean on your experiences, insights, and energies to guide the UICC in the years to come.”
In addition to the election of the President-elect, the new UICC Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term was also voted in, repesenting 12 countries.
Dunn congratulated the new President-elect and Board members, acknowledging their expertise and dedication.
Adams concluded the General Assembly, adding, “Congratulations to our new President-elect and the newly elected Board Members. I am confident that their expertise and dedication will drive UICC forward in our mission to unite and support the cancer community.”
Kågström is the Secretary-General of the Swedish Cancer Society and an active leader in the Nordic Cancer Union. She is the fourth woman to assume the presidency of UICC, following HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan (2018-2020), Prof. Sanchia Aranda (2016-2018), and Prof. Mary Gospodarowicz (2012-2014).
In her address to the General Assembly, she thanked Dunn for his inspirational leadership over the past two years, and expressed her appreciation for the current Board’s commitment and enthusiasm.
She also wished good luck to the candidates for President-elect and the incoming Board of Directors as they awaited the election results.
Kågström emphasised the need to continue the organisation’s work in addressing inequities in cancer control globally. She also encouraged joining UICC Connect where she hopes during her Presidency to see more and more members engage and exchange with UICC and each other.
She also cited the continued need to ensure that cancer remains a priority on the global health agenda, unite and support the cancer community, and enhance global partnerships. She emphasised in particular the successes of UICC partnership initiatives such as the Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition, which aims to increase the availability of cancer medicines in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Additionally, she calls for continued global attention on cancer, particularly in light of the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases.
She stated, “I am deeply honored to take on the important responsibility as President of the UICC. In a world facing complex challenges, UICC’s mission to unite and support the global cancer community is more important than ever.
“Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, and 70 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to care is severely limited. Inequities exist both between and within nations and are completely unacceptable, and a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action. I look forward to continue advancing UICC’s critical work in fostering cross-border collaborations, ensuring that cancer is a priority on the global health agenda and striving the pursuit of equitable cancer control.”
Kågström reiterated her commitment to working with the newly elected Board to further strengthen UICC’s impact on global cancer control.
UICC’s mission is both to unite and support the cancer community in its efforts to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity and ensure that cancer control remains a priority on the global health and development agenda.
Punch
