In this episode of Paul Talks Science, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a leading pediatrician and one of Nigeria’s foremost cancer advocates. Our discussion focused on groundbreaking initiatives and persistent challenges in transforming cancer care in Nigeria, a country navigating the complexities of managing non-communicable diseases alongside infectious diseases.
Breaking New Ground: Cancer as a Notifiable Disease
Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu highlighted a pivotal move by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health: declaring cancer a notifiable disease. This groundbreaking policy positions cancer alongside infectious diseases in terms of reporting requirements, enabling the collection of robust data crucial for targeted interventions.
“This move is unusual but very helpful,” she remarked. “Strengthening our cancer registries ensures better data collection, which is vital for understanding the true scale of cancer in Nigeria.”
The initiative involves consolidating and modernizing Nigeria’s cancer registries, ensuring inclusivity across both public and private healthcare facilities, and overcoming logistical challenges such as transportation and access to remote areas.
Challenges in Cancer Awareness and Response
Cancer care in Nigeria still faces a significant stigma, with many perceiving it as a “rich man’s disease.” Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu emphasized the need for intensified public education and awareness campaigns, particularly at the community level. Her advocacy work often involves engaging local and religious leaders, as demonstrated by the success of HPV vaccination efforts in Imo State after involving Catholic priests in sensitization campaigns.
“We need to shift the narrative and amplify the stories of cancer patients and their families to drive action,” she said, emphasizing the importance of grassroots mobilization and stakeholder engagement.
A Call for Collaborative Efforts
Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing the complexities of cancer care. From leveraging Nigeria’s extensive primary healthcare network to collaborating with international organizations and pharmaceutical companies, every stakeholder has a role to play. Her work with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) exemplifies how global platforms can inspire and support local efforts.
Quick Wins for Nigeria’s Cancer Fight
To wrap up our conversation, Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu shared actionable strategies for accelerating progress. Training primary healthcare providers in cancer diagnosis and treatment, integrating civil society organizations into cancer advocacy, and amplifying patient voices were some of her key recommendations.
“Cancer is universal,” she concluded. “The solution must come from all parts—local, national, and international—to build sustainable partnerships and drive lasting change.”
