CITIZENS COMPASS—Access Bank, in partnership with Help the Woman Initiative, has launched Project UWUS (Unstoppable Woman, Unbreakable Spirit), a cervical cancer awareness and screening campaign, designed to improve early detection, promote preventive healthcare, and empower women across Akwa Ibom State.
Cervical cancer is 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 contribute to delayed diagnosis and high mortality rates. 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.
“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,” said Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Head, Women Banking, Access Bank Plc.
Key highlights of Project UWUS include:
Awareness & Education: Over one million women reached through radio, social media, market outreaches, and community talks.
Screening & Healthcare Access: Free cervical cancer screening for women across multiple communities in Akwa Ibom.
Humanitarian Support: Distribution of welfare packages to over 1,000 underserved women to encourage turnout for screening.
Capacity Building: Training of health volunteers and workers to sustain cervical cancer prevention efforts.
Policy Engagement: Advocacy visits to state ministries and primary healthcare boards, ensuring alignment and sustainability.
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).
“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,” added Esther Graham, Team Member, Sustainability, Access Holdings.
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.
