Access Holdings PLC demonstrated remarkable compassion and corporate responsibility by leading a blood donation campaign during Sickle Cell Awareness Month, successfully collecting 159 pints of blood to assist those affected by sickle cell disease. More than 200 employees participated in this initiative, which was conducted in collaboration with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service and the Boat Foundation/Life Bank.

The collected blood will provide essential support to sickle cell patients, who frequently encounter life-threatening complications necessitating immediate blood transfusions. This initiative by Access Holdings seeks to alleviate the strain on healthcare services and ensure timely medical interventions for those in need.

Amaechi Okobi, Chief Communications Officer at Access Holdings PLC, highlighted the significance of this effort, stating, “Each pint of blood donated serves as a vital lifeline for individuals fighting sickle cell. We take immense pride in our employees' readiness to help and the partnership with our collaborators that made this possible. Access Holdings is dedicated to supporting initiatives that save lives and foster lasting positive change.”

In addition to the blood donation drive, Access Bank, a subsidiary of Access Holdings, hosted a webinar featuring a panel of experts, including Prof. Ebele Uche, a Professor of Haematology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, and Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service. 

The panel also included Dr. Sola Adebekun, Executive Secretary of the Temitayo Awosika Help Foundation, and Ms. Judith Ojonugwa Mathew, a sickle cell advocate. The purpose of the webinar was to enhance awareness regarding the challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell and to underscore the vital importance of regular blood donations in managing the disease.

The panelists provided important perspectives on the healthcare obstacles encountered by individuals with sickle cell disease, emphasizing the necessity for a reliable blood supply and the crucial impact of public-private partnerships in enhancing the quality of life for those affected. The event featured personal narratives from sickle cell advocates, highlighting the significance of timely medical treatments, such as blood transfusions, in their ongoing struggles with the illness.

Access Holdings’ involvement in Sickle Cell Awareness Month demonstrates the organization’s steadfast commitment to improving healthcare for at-risk populations. With more than 300,000 infants born with sickle cell disease each year in Africa, there is an urgent demand for increased advocacy, support, and healthcare initiatives. Access Bank’s leadership in these endeavors reinforces its commitment to promoting a healthier community and facilitating substantial, long-lasting change.