An initiative designed to improve early detection, promote preventive healthcare, and empower women across Akwa Ibom State has been launched by Access Bank Plc.
The scheme, Project UWUS (Unstoppable Woman, Unbreakable Spirit), is a cervical cancer awareness and screening campaign carried out in conjunction with Help the Woman Initiative.
Through Project UWUS, Access Bank is working with partners to close this gap by delivering large-scale sensitisation programme, free cervical cancer screenings, humanitarian support, and capacity building for healthcare volunteers.
The initiative also aligns with Access Bank’s CSI focus areas 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).
The key highlights of Project UWUS include awareness/education, screening/healthcare access, humanitarian support, capacity building, and policy engagement.
“At Access Bank, we believe that empowering women begins with protecting their health. Project UWUS reflects our on-going commitment to improving health outcomes, promoting gender equality, and driving sustainable community impact in line with our corporate social responsibility strategy,” the Head of Women Banking at Access Bank, Ms Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, stated.
Also, a Team Member of Sustainability at Access Holdings, Ms Esther Graham, said, “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, but saving lives.”
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Akwa Ibom, with a prevalence rate of 22.1 per cent. Limited access to healthcare, cultural barriers, and low awareness contribute to delayed diagnosis and high mortality rates.
Project UWUS is part of Access Bank’s broader strategy to invest in sustainable health interventions and empower women to lead healthier, more resilient lives.