MobiHealth partners Medicaid Cancer Foundation to revolutionise cancer treatment in Africa
A new international collaboration is set to transform cancer treatment in Africa, making world-class care accessible to patients regardless of their location.
The initiative, led by Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President-Elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), brings together the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, WorldCare International, and Mobihealth International to bridge the continent’s cancer care gap through telemedicine and global medical expertise.
Africa faces a critical shortage of oncologists and specialized cancer treatment facilities, leaving thousands of patients without access to timely and affordable care. Many die from treatable cancers simply because they cannot reach a specialist or afford treatment abroad. This new partnership seeks to change that by leveraging digital healthcare solutions and international collaborations.
Through Mobihealth’s advanced telemedicine platform, patients across Africa will have virtual consultations with leading oncologists. WorldCare’s global network of top U.S. and international academic medical centers will provide expert second opinions and personalized treatment plans.
The Medicaid Cancer Foundation will play a crucial role in patient navigation and awareness campaigns to ensure that even those in remote areas receive life-saving care.
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, former First Lady of Kebbi State and Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, emphasized the significance of the initiative, describing it as a major step in the fight against cancer in Africa.
“For far too long, cancer has devastated African families because of a lack of access to specialized care. This partnership is a major step toward changing that.
“By leveraging telemedicine and global expertise, we are breaking barriers to ensure that patients—no matter where they live—receive timely diagnoses and the best possible treatment without the financial burden of traveling abroad,” she said.
Dr. Funmi Adewara, Founder and CEO of Mobihealth International, highlighted the role of technology in bridging the healthcare gap.
“With just a mobile device, a cancer patient in a remote village can now consult some of the best oncologists in the world, receive an expert second opinion, and get a precise treatment plan—all without the stress and cost of travel. This is a game-changer for healthcare in Africa,” she stated.
Under the initiative, patients in Nigeria and other African countries will be able to consult oncologists through Mobihealth’s telemedicine platform. WorldCare’s network of leading U.S. hospitals will offer second opinions, ensuring accurate diagnoses and optimized treatment plans. The program also integrates pharmacogenomics (PGx) to tailor treatments based on patients’ genetic profiles, improving drug effectiveness and minimizing side effects.
Recognizing the emotional toll of cancer, the initiative will offer remote mental health consultations for patients and their families. Medicaid Cancer Foundation will lead grassroots awareness campaigns, promote early detection, and guide patients through the treatment process.
Dr. Hassan Sharif, Chief Medical Officer and CEO of WorldCare, stressed the need for strategic healthcare investment in cancer treatment.
“Cancer care is a major challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. By improving access to treatment and leveraging cutting-edge medical advancements, we can save lives and enhance patient satisfaction,” he said.
Ed Wiggers, President and COO of WorldCare, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to innovation in cancer care.
“For over 30 years, WorldCare has been a leader in advanced virtual approaches for complex conditions like cancer. This partnership marks a significant step toward improving holistic cancer care in Africa, addressing both physical and mental health needs,” he noted.
