Nigeria: Access Bank Launches Second National Fibroid Awareness Campaign

Access Bank has launched its second national fibroid awareness campaign, “Treating One Woman at a Time,” as part of its innovative corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Running until July 2024, this campaign aims to enhance women’s knowledge of fibroid disorders. It will kick off with a webinar and be spearheaded by dedicated team members from the bank’s retail group, committed to ensuring the campaign’s success.

Project 111 aims to impact future generations and transform families. Uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are benign growths that can cause significant discomfort, including bleeding and pain, affecting daily activities and fertility.

Statistics show that while fibroids affect between 70 and 80 percent of women, only 38 percent are aware of available treatments. This underscores the importance of Project 111, which seeks to raise awareness and provide support for women dealing with fibroids and their effects.

Deputy Managing Director of Retail Chizoma Okoli gave a speech about the programme and said: “At Access Bank, our responsibility goes beyond banking. We are dedicated to our customers’ and communities’ well-being. This campaign demonstrates our commitment to supporting women’s health and ensuring they have the information and resources needed for a healthy life.”

Over 4,000 lives have been directly impacted and over 16,000 people have benefited indirectly from Project 111, which was started in 2022 and has since delivered over 100 free fibroid procedures throughout five geopolitical zones. In addition to providing 500 free diagnostic tests and helping 100 women in need of surgery, this year’s campaign hopes to reach 100,000 women. Visit their dedicated website for more details. It provides updates on the effort as well as materials on fibroids and partner hospitals.

Continuing, the Group Head of Consumer Banking, Njideka Esomeju stated: “To kick off our second Fibroid Awareness Campaign, we are conducting free fibroid screenings and community health talks across 20 states. Additionally, we will host a webinar to address concerns of women affected by fibroids and related health issues.”

The campaign has had a major effect since it started. Launched in July of last year during Fibroid Awareness Month, the “Wear White Campaign” reached 17,266 women in 33 countries and offered 156 of them appropriate diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment suggestions, as carried out by the digital news platform.

Expressing her gratitude, Hannatu Botsha, a beneficiary said: “I discovered the free fibroid surgery in 2022 and, despite initial hesitation, I applied and was accepted. The surgery was a life-changing experience for me, and I am deeply grateful to the Retail team at Access Bank.”

Adeola Rojaiye, the project coordinator, reflected on their accomplishments and stated: “It has been an exciting journey for our team. Witnessing the positive impact on our customers’ lives brings us immense fulfillment, thanks to our collective efforts and unwavering commitment.”