Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a distinguished pediatrician and global health leader with a profound commitment to women’s health and cancer care. A pioneer in Nigerian healthcare, she established Medicaid Radio-Diagnostics & Clinics, the first comprehensive diagnostic center in Abuja, addressing a critical gap in medical services.

Recognizing the urgent need for cancer care, she also founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, driving awareness, prevention, and improved access to treatment. The foundation has raised over $2 million to address gaps in cancer care.

As the former First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Bagudu leveraged her position to spearhead transformative healthcare initiatives, including the development of a comprehensive cancer control plan and the expansion of HPV vaccination for girls. Her advocacy extends globally through her roles in the Union for International Cancer Control and First Ladies Against Cancer.

With a relentless dedication to improving lives, Dr. Bagudu continues to be a driving force in the fight against cancer, empowering communities, and shaping healthcare policies in Nigeria and beyond.