Zainab Bagudu appointed as Senior Advisor on Women’s Health and Cancer Advocacy

By Kunle Sanni

Health Minister Ali Pate has appointed Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu as the Senior Advisor on Women’s Health and Cancer Advocacy to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

Pate made the announcement on Tuesday in a statement he signed and shared with reporters.

Describing Bagudu as a medical doctor, consultant pediatrician, and renowned cancer advocate, Pate highlighted her over 20 years of experience in health leadership and advocacy. As the CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation and Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer, she has championed cancer awareness and women’s health initiatives, driving impactful programs and fostering collaboration with various health agencies.

She is also the wife of the Minister of Budget and Planning and former two-term governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu.

“As a Senior Advisor, Dr. Bagudu will provide strategic guidance and expert advice to advance our national health objectives, particularly in cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and women’s health promotion. Her extensive experience and dedication to women’s health will be instrumental in driving impactful health initiatives and improving outcomes for women and adolescent girls across Nigeria.

“Dr. Bagudu will work closely with various federal ministries, health agencies, and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan and other critical health interventions. Her role will also involve fostering multisectoral collaboration to enhance public health prevention and promotion activities in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I congratulate and welcome Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu to this position. I am confident that her expertise will significantly contribute to the advancement of our health sector.”