Access Bank Partners Help the Woman Initiative to Tackle Cervical Cancer in Akwa Ibom

Access Bank, in partnership with Help the Woman Initiative, has unveiled Project UWUS (Unstoppable Woman, Unbreakable Spirit), a 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 the state, with a prevalence rate of 22.1%. Limited access to healthcare, cultural barriers, and low awareness continue to drive delayed diagnosis and high mortality rates. Project UWUS seeks to address these challenges through large-scale sensitisation, free screenings, 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 ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes, promoting 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 one million women targeted through radio campaigns, social media, market outreaches, and community talks.

Screening & Healthcare Access: Free cervical cancer screenings provided across multiple communities in Akwa Ibom.

Humanitarian Support: Welfare packages distributed to more than 1,000 underserved women to encourage participation.

Capacity Building: Training sessions for health workers and volunteers to strengthen long-term prevention efforts.

Policy Engagement: Advocacy visits to state ministries and healthcare boards to ensure alignment and sustainability.

The initiative aligns with Access Bank’s corporate social investment pillars and the UN 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 key to creating lasting impact. By working together with communities, government, and civil society, we are not just raising awareness, we are saving lives,” noted Esther Graham, Team Member, Sustainability, Access Holdings.

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