ACCESS BANK CHAMPIONS WOMEN’S HEALTH WITH CERVICAL CANCER CAMPAIGN IN AKWA IBOM

Access Bank Plc, in partnership with Help the Woman Initiative, has launched Project UWUS (Unstoppable Woman, Unbreakable Spirit), a large-scale cervical cancer awareness and screening campaign aimed at improving early detection, promoting preventive healthcare, and empowering women across Akwa Ibom State.

Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in Akwa Ibom, with a prevalence rate of 22.1%. Limited access to healthcare, cultural barriers, and low awareness often result in delayed diagnosis and high mortality rates. Through Project UWUS, Access Bank and its partners are addressing these challenges by providing free screenings, community sensitisation, humanitarian support, and capacity building for healthcare volunteers.

“At Access Bank, we believe that empowering women begins with protecting their health. Project UWUS reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes, advancing gender equality, and driving sustainable community impact in line with our corporate social responsibility strategy,” said Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Head, Women Banking, Access Bank Plc.

Key Highlights of Project UWUS

• Awareness & Education: Over 1 million women to be reached through radio, social media, market outreaches, and community talks.
• Screening & Healthcare Access: Free cervical cancer screenings across multiple communities.
• Humanitarian Support: Distribution of welfare packages to over 1,000 underserved women to encourage participation.
• Capacity Building: Training of health volunteers and healthcare workers to sustain prevention efforts.
• Policy Engagement: Advocacy with state ministries and primary healthcare boards to ensure alignment and sustainability.

The initiative also aligns with Access Bank’s CSR focus areas and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

“Partnerships like this one with Help the Woman Initiative are critical to creating lasting impact. By working hand-in-hand with communities, government, and civil society, we are not just raising awareness—we are saving lives,” added Esther Graham, Team Member, Sustainability, Access Holdings.

Project UWUS forms part of Access Bank’s broader strategy to invest in sustainable health interventions and empower women to lead healthier, more resilient lives.