Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, consultant pediatrician, and member of the Nigerian Cancer Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, has been elected as the next president of the International Union for Cancer Control .
The UICC announced this in a statement on its website on Tuesday.
UICC is the world’s oldest and largest membership organization dedicated to cancer control.
The statement noted that the UICC general meeting was held virtually on Tuesday and was chaired by outgoing president Professor Geoff Dunn.
Mr Dunn reflected on the organization’s achievements 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 organizations around the world who continue to work towards more equitable access to cancer prevention, treatment and care in their communities.
In her presentation, UICC Chief Executive Officer Cary Adams expressed her deep gratitude for Dan’s leadership and dedication during a time of significant personal challenges.
Mr. Adams also welcomed Ms. Ulrika as the new president of UICC and expressed his excitement for her vision for the future.
“At today’s UICC General Assembly, Full Members from all over the world came together virtually to welcome Ulrika Olehead Korgström as the new President and elect the Board of Directors for the period 2024-2026, including: , including President-elect Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagdu” Nigeria.
“As a result of the voting process, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, a native of Nigeria, has been elected as the next president. He is also a member of the Society of Clinical Oncology,” the statement reads in part.
Our correspondent reported that Mr. Kargström was elected as the next president in 2022 and was sworn in as president today. Meanwhile, Shinkafi Bagudu was elected as the next president today and will serve from 2026 to 2028.
In accepting the offer, Shinkafi Bagudu expressed his gratitude for the global support and said, “Thank you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. I am especially honored to work with you to accelerate this.” I will rely on your experience, insight, and energy to be an interactive leader guiding UICC for years to come. ”
In addition to the election of the next president, a new UICC board for the 2024-2026 term representing 12 countries was also voted on.
Mr. Dunn congratulated the new President-elect and the members of the Board of Directors and recognized their expertise and dedication.
Mr. Adams concluded the general meeting by saying, “Congratulations to the new president-elect and the newly elected board members. Their expertise and dedication will continue to advance UICC in our mission to unite and support the cancer community. I am confident that it will move forward.”
Mr Kagström is the Executive Director of the Swedish Cancer Society and an active leader of the Nordic Cancer Alliance. She follows Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Miled of Jordan (2018-2020), Professor Sanchia Aranda (2016-2018) and Professor Mary Gospodarovic (2012-2014) as UICC President. She will be the fourth woman.
In his address to the General Assembly, he thanked Mr. Dunn for his inspiring leadership over the past two years and expressed gratitude to the current Board of Directors for their dedication and enthusiasm.
She also wished the next presidential candidate and the next board of directors the best of luck as they await election results.
Kagström emphasized the need to continue the organization’s efforts to address inequalities in global cancer control. She also encourages participation in UICC Connect and hopes to see more members engage and interact with UICC and other members during her term as president.
He also noted that cancer remains a priority on the global health agenda, and the continued need to unite and support the cancer community and strengthen global partnerships. He particularly highlighted the success of UICC partnership initiatives such as the Coalition for Access to Cancer Medicines, which aims to increase the availability of cancer medicines in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Additionally, she calls for continued global attention to cancer, especially in light of the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases.
She said: “I am deeply honored to take on this important responsibility as UICC President. In a world facing complex challenges, UICC’s mission to unite and support the global cancer community is more than ever. It has become important.
“Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, and 70 percent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to care is severely limited. It is a stark reminder that cancer exists both between and within countries and is totally unacceptable and that global action is urgently needed. I look forward to continuing to advance the UICC’s important work to ensure that it is a priority on the global health agenda and pursue equitable cancer control.”
Mr. Kagström reiterated his commitment to work with the newly elected Board of Directors to further strengthen the UICC’s influence on global cancer control.
UICC’s mission is to engage the cancer community in efforts to reduce the global burden of cancer, promote greater equity, and ensure that cancer control remains a priority on the global health and development agenda. It’s about uniting and supporting.
