March 14, 2024 – New York City: The Wellbeing Foundation Africa proudly announces that its Founder & President, Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, has joined the esteemed AstraZeneca Global Breast Cancer Care Council. H.E. Mrs. Saraki’s appointment signifies a significant step towards advancing global efforts to combat breast cancer and improve healthcare outcomes for women in Nigeria and worldwide.

The AstraZeneca Global Breast Cancer Care Council, a group of advisory experts across clinical research, advocacy and policy, aim to establish a comprehensive global policy and programmatic framework which fosters the best standards of care for breast cancer patients. H.E. Mrs. Saraki’s expertise and dedication to women’s health, particularly in Africa, will play a pivotal role in shaping strategies to achieve the ultimate ambition of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, in alignment with the World Health Organization’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative, to reduce global breast cancer mortality by 2.5% and prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040, through addressing critical issues such as early detection, access to quality and complete treatment, and patient support services.

Breast cancer remains a pressing issue in Nigeria and globally, with millions of lives affected each year. According to the WHO, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of child-bearing age and the leading cancer for women in Nigeria, with one of the highest prevalences and lowest rates of survival globally. Recognising these challenges, the council will focus on key areas including increasing survival rates, reducing chances of recurrence, and enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer survivors, while advocating for comprehensive clinical practice, patient-centred advocacy, policy and national guidelines.

Her Excellency Toyin Saraki expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with AstraZeneca and fellow council members, stating, “I am deeply honoured to join the AstraZeneca Global Breast Cancer Care Council and play a pivotal role in advancing breast cancer care not only in Nigeria and across Africa but importantly, and ambitiously, on a global scale. My commitment lies in bridging the existing inequities in breast cancer outcomes through systematic improvements in access to resource-appropriate and quality services. This includes prioritising health promotion and early detection strategies, ensuring timely diagnosis, and advocating for comprehensive breast cancer management protocols. Together, we will work tirelessly to make tangible progress in the fight against breast cancer and improve the lives of countless individuals and families affected by this disease.”

H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki’s appointment underscores her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and championing women’s rights globally. As a renowned advocate for maternal and child health, she brings a wealth of experience in healthcare policy, advocacy development and grassroots community engagement to the council. Her leadership will undoubtedly drive impactful initiatives that resonate with diverse communities across the globe.

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa extends its congratulations to Her Excellency Toyin Saraki on this prestigious appointment and looks forward to the transformative impact of her leadership within the AstraZeneca Global Breast Cancer Care Council.

For Global media inquiries, please contact: Zelia Bukhari, Global Health Advocacy and Policy Manager at Her Excellency Toyin Saraki’s Global Office and Philanthropy – zelia.bukhari@wbfafrica.org.