Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu

Current research is opening new possibilities in the fight against ovarian cancer. Scientists are studying earlier detection, targeted therapies, immunotherapies and new treatment combinations, with the goal of improving survival and quality of life for women affected by the disease. As we mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, women are encouraged to pay attention to persistent or unusual symptoms and seek medical care early. Every woman deserves timely diagnosis and access to quality cancer care, regardless of where she lives. #NoWomanLeftBehind

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Some of the most important work in healthcare happens around a table, where concerns are raised, ideas are shared and possible solutions begin to take shape. Last Friday, I met with leaders of the @nationalnma, Kebbi State, Association of Oncology Nurses, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (@mwannigeria), @wearefrndsco and @nona.cancerfoundation. Each conversation was different, but aligned to our core mission at @medicaidcf to create better outcomes for cancer patients. @nationalnma Kebbi State Chairman, Dr Jamilu Mohammed, zoomed in on the realities facing doctors in the state, such as welfare and gaps in radiological services. We discussed challenges and the need to find a sustainable solutions to reduce interstate travel for patients. We also talked about expanding cancer awareness to include childhood cancers such as retinoblastoma. Ahead of the Association of Oncology Nurse’s October conference, Nurse Hauwa Lawal identified collaborative opportunities, particularly around capacity building on VIA and HPV sampling methods to improve early detection of cervical cancer. I advised the team on the importance of better coordination among organisations working in oncology. I also welcomed the president of @nationalnma, Dr Zainab Mohammed and her exco. MWAN will be 50 this year! Our meeting focused on strengthening the organisation’s national presence and connecting its state chapters more closely with its activities. The 50th anniversary presents an opportunity to do this while extending their community impact through initiatives such as tree planting and afforestation. Then came a conversation that brought a completely different kind of energy, the young creative advocates @wearefrndsco and @nona.cancerfoundation led by @radiotherapist_ng. As much as I value conversations with experienced professionals, there is different vibe in sitting with young people who are full of ideas, enthusiasm and the belief that something can be done differently. Their cancer awareness initiative is driven by their lived experience around cancer. Oluwatofunmi Adebayo lost his mother to the disease and this inspired him to successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro in a

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Through the @medicaidcf, Walk Away Cancer is probably the oldest and biggest initiative we have created to bring people together in one space to talk openly about cancer, create awareness and help people make informed health choices. I am deliberate about involving young people in all aspects of my advocacy. Because when young people are included on the right platforms, we create a generation of sustainable influencers. This is why I threw my weight behind my daughter when she brought up the idea of a pop up event focused around her own passion- Matcha! Within a week, the Medicaid Summer Fair 1.0. featuring her @ru.smatchacorner 🍵 Corner was designed and implemented. Along with other young people we featured @thepopslab, @patendoyart, @mi_scents, @la_reedas, @jaysb.istro, @rawbeautyafrica, @bakenspice_. It was heartwarming warming to see her take ownership of her idea and turn it into a small business. We kept the first Summer Fair at a manageable size, that allowed me to interact with the young vendors, support their ideas and have proper conversations with them. I want young people to see cancer advocacy as something they can be part of. They can learn the facts, speak to their peers, promote prevention and encourage informed health choices in their communities. Thus the fair also gave our @girlsinpinktalk initiative a platform to share such tips. The Girls in Pink grooms and mentors young advocates, empowering them with the confidence, knowledge and support to become voices for cancer awareness. We will make this Medicaid Fair a triennial event, held towards the end of holidays (Summer, December, and Easter). Hopefully, it will help us retain the attention of the teeming youngsters who support the walkawaycancer, whilst we work with them to develop a healthy lifestyle and hone their entrepreneurial mindset. @mamisdelight @mamamia_scrumptious_bites @cleaneats.ng @ammees_coutour @houseof_oud @nourea_food @hastaj_freshfruitjuice Thank you and kudos to all who organized and showed up.

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Have a wonderful day my Numero Uno🥰🥳🥳

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This week Learning Tuesday, I’m looking at how we can move cancer prevention closer to the communities where people live. From awareness, vaccination, screening and early detection, stronger primary healthcare system can play a greater role in reducing cancer risk and improving outcomes. Swipe left to learn more. #LearningTuesdaywithdrzsb #CancerPrevention #CancerAwareness #PrimaryHealthCare

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The @who 90–70–90 targets give us a clear pathway to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem. Commendably, Nigeria has now vaccinated more than 17 million girls against HPV, and the number continues to grow. To help us further, today at the Decoding HPV – Launch of GARDASIL, MSD/NPHCDA announced a donation of 4.4 million GARDASIL 9 doses targeting the 18–20-year age group. The burden is significant, and HPV 16, 18 and 45 are among the high-risk cancer-causing strains. In my remarks, I highlighted the efforts being made by @nicratgov, the @cervicalcancernigeria, the @fmoh_nigeria and other partners. The recent launch of screening in Imo State is another important step on the path to elimination. Women and girls in underserved and hard-to-reach communities remain at risk, and more private sector involvement is needed to reach them with the right information, vaccination, screening, and early treatment to achieve the 2030 elimination goal. Our training efforts must focus on the frontline healthcare workers who are closest to these communities and can play a major role in prevention and early detection. Thank you to MSD, the organisers and facilitators for the opportunity to have these important conversations. No single government or organisation can eliminate cervical cancer alone. We need stronger partnerships, better coordination and sustained collaboration across government, healthcare providers, communities, civil society and the private sector to reach every woman and girl. #DecodingHPV #GARDASIL9 #HPV #HPVVaccination

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This World Youth Day, 12th of August, I’d like to shine the light on treating health as a concern for later in life to making it a priority now. Young people should build healthier habits, make informed choices, and take charge of their wellbeing. #learningtuesdaywithdrzsb #WorldYouthDay #cancerprevention

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