In a powerful demonstration of corporate social responsibility and a deep commitment to community well-being, Access Holdings, one of Africa’s leading financial services groups, has successfully concluded a landmark group-wide blood drive across six African countries.
Held in commemoration of World Blood Donor Day and World Sickle Cell Day 2025, the initiative, themed “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell,” brought together thousands of employees, community members, health professionals, and partner organisations in a coordinated effort to address the critical shortage of safe blood and provide a lifeline for individuals living with sickle cell disorder and others in urgent need of transfusions.
The initiative underscores Access Holdings' unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes and driving tangible impact within the diverse communities it serves across the continent.
Blood donation remains one of the most essential yet underappreciated pillars of public health in Africa, a reality that Access Holdings is actively working to change.
According to the World Health Organisation, Africa grapples with a significant shortfall in safe and voluntary blood donations, a dire challenge that places countless lives at risk.
This is particularly true for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD), a condition affecting millions across the continent, where regular blood transfusions are often a critical component of treatment and disease management.
Recognising this pressing need, Access Holdings strategically expanded its annual blood donation initiative beyond Nigeria’s borders, extending its reach to the African subsidiaries of its banking group, Access Bank, in Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Cameroon.
While in some countries the drive focused specifically on bolstering support for individuals living with sickle cell disease, in others, it formed an integral part of broader efforts to strengthen national blood banks and cultivate a sustainable culture of voluntary donation.
Esther Graham, Programme Officer for Health at Access Holdings, articulated the profound significance of the initiative.
“This was not just about donating blood; it was about showing up for our communities when it matters most,” she stated passionately.
“In Nigeria, where an estimated 2 million units of blood are needed annually but only about 25–30% of that is collected, and less than a fifth of that from voluntary donors, the impact is heartbreaking.
“Emergency care is delayed, maternal mortality rises, and lives are lost to preventable shortages.
“Across Africa, the situation is just as critical, with only 5 units available per 1,000 people – only half of the World Health Organisation’s recommended benchmark.
“This initiative was a powerful reminder that even the smallest act of generosity can create a life-saving impact and reaffirm our shared humanity,” Graham added.
The campaign garnered robust participation from Access Holdings staff, loyal customers, and local community members, with a notable number of first-time donors stepping forward.
To uphold the highest safety and ethical standards, Access Holdings collaborated exclusively with certified healthcare organisations and reputable blood banks, ensuring that every unit collected was meticulously handled, screened, and responsibly distributed to those in desperate need.
The tangible results of the drive speak volumes about its success: Over 760 pints of blood were collectively donated across the six participating countries, Hundreds of lives were potentially impacted, especially among patients with chronic conditions requiring frequent transfusions, increased public awareness was generated around sickle cell disorder and the paramount importance of voluntary blood donation, High staff engagement was witnessed across all levels, significantly driven by the Sustainability Champions Network within Access subsidiaries, highlighting the deep-seated commitment of the Access Holdings family.
Tania Macaneta, Team Lead for Marketing and Communications, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, expressed her delight at the overwhelming response. "It was heartwarming to see staff across all levels participate.
“In some locations, community members and customers stepped up to donate. This kind of unified action is what sustainable development truly looks like,” she remarked.
This blood drive is far from a standalone event; it forms an integral part of Access Holdings’ broader commitment to sustainability and health equity, key pillars of its overarching impact agenda.
In recent years, the Group has consistently supported individuals living with SCD through various impactful initiatives, including free insurance coverage, educational support, and the provision of essential back-to-school items for affected children.
Furthermore, Access Holdings has been at the forefront of public awareness campaigns and community screenings in underserved areas, actively working to destigmatise the condition and promote early diagnosis.
By seamlessly integrating sustainability into the very fabric of its business operations, Access Holdings continues to demonstrate that profit and purpose are not mutually exclusive but can, and indeed should, go hand in hand.
Allan Ratemo, Head of Corporate Communications at Access Bank Kenya, underscored the profound simplicity and power of blood donation.
“Blood donation is one of the most selfless acts anyone can make; it requires no wealth, only the will to help,” he stated.
“At Access Bank, we believe in building stronger communities through compassion and care. Today, we celebrate every donor whose generosity saves lives, and we encourage more people to step forward and be heroes.”Ratemo added.
While the 2025 blood drive may have concluded, its resonant message endures: impact is a habit, not merely an event.
Through unwavering dedication to continued education, strategic partnerships, and proactive volunteerism, Access Holdings remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a pervasive culture of compassion and proactive health support across the African continent.
Maline Cera, Team Lead for Corporate Communications at Access Bank Mozambique, reiterated the organisation's enduring pledge.
“At Access Bank, we recognise that the simple act of donating blood can mean the difference between life and death.
“On this World Blood Donor Day, we stand in solidarity with donors around the world and reaffirm our commitment to supporting health and humanity.
“Giving blood is not just a donation; it is a gift of life, and we are proud to champion this cause.” Cera posited.
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