Nearly 10 million people died of cancer annually said, Bagudu

From A. A Chakwa Gusau

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu said effective security and policing is a crucial tool to Improved cancer outcomes.

Bagudu stated that, at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) while delivering cancer awareness lecture to the security personnel during the Executive Intelligence Management Course 18 (EIMC 18) of 2025 Health Week in Bwari, Abuja.

The course which is a 10-month executive program convened about 80 participants from six African countries, including Nigeria and Rwanda, representing institutions such as the Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Immigration Service, Airport Authorities, State Governments, and Federal Ministries.

In her address, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu highlighted that cancer remains a global health crisis, causing nearly 10 million deaths annually.

She further stressed on how health and security are interdependent, and that the role of security agencies is central to advancing national cancer control efforts.

Dr. Bagudu emphasized that effective security and policing are crucial to improved cancer outcomes, outlining five priority areas, supporting dissemination of accurate information through security networks to counter myths and misconceptions about cancer, safeguarding medical supply chains to prevent diversion, pilferage, and vandalism of cancer medicines and vaccines, protecting health workers, particularly in regions affected by insecurity, promoting accountability in health financing and Reinforcing health security as a component of national security.

The session was interactive, with participants raising critical questions on cancer screening, links between lifestyle factors and cancer risk, and strategies for strengthening the health workforce.

Dr. Bagudu’s visit also carried a personal significance as she toured the Umaru Shinkafi Medical Center, named in honor of her late father, who served as Director-General of the National Security Organization, precursor to the DSS, from 1979 to 1983.

She commended the NISS organizing such event.