— Over 760 Pints Collected in Multi-Country Drive to Support Sickle Cell Warriors and Strengthen Health Systems
In commemoration of World Blood Donor Day and World Sickle Cell Day 2025, Access Holdings Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial services groups, successfully executed a continent-wide blood donation drive across six African countries, reaffirming its deep commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering sustainable impact in the communities it serves.
Held under the theme “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell,” the campaign mobilized employees, healthcare professionals, community members, and strategic partners in a coordinated effort to provide safe blood for individuals living with sickle cell disorder and others in critical need of transfusions.
A Continent United by Compassion
Access Holdings’ initiative expanded beyond Nigeria to include staff and partners in Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Cameroon — making it one of the most expansive blood drives by any corporate entity on the continent. In each country, the campaign addressed a vital gap: the chronic shortage of safe blood donations, particularly from voluntary donors.
“This wasn’t just about giving blood,” said Esther Graham, Programme Officer, Health, Access Holdings. “It was about showing up for our communities when it mattered most. In Nigeria alone, we need over 2 million units annually, yet only 25–30% are collected — and less than 20% from voluntary donors. This shortfall leads to tragic consequences that we can and must change.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa averages just 5 units of blood per 1,000 people, far below the recommended 10 units, leaving millions vulnerable during childbirth, surgery, accidents, and for chronic conditions like Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD).
Tangible Impact, Lasting Change
The 2025 campaign recorded impressive participation across all levels of staff and communities, with many stepping forward as first-time donors. Key highlights include:
- 760+ pints of blood donated across six countries
- Hundreds of lives impacted, particularly sickle cell patients and emergency cases
- Increased awareness about voluntary blood donation and SCD across communities
- Strong staff engagement, led by Access Bank’s Sustainability Champions Network
To ensure quality and safety, Access partnered with certified healthcare organisations and blood banks in each country, ensuring every pint collected was ethically handled and responsibly distributed.
More Than a One-Time Campaign
The blood drive is part of Access Holdings’ Impact Agenda, with a focus on health equity, financial inclusion, education, and climate resilience. Beyond blood donation, the group has implemented various programs for individuals and families affected by SCD, including:
- Free insurance coverage for sickle cell warriors
- Educational support and back-to-school packages for affected children
- Community screenings and public awareness campaigns
Looking Ahead
Though this year’s drive has concluded, its message is clear: impact is not an event — it is a habit. Access Holdings continues to invest in long-term partnerships, education, and community action that promote health and humanity.
“Giving blood is not just a donation. It’s a gift of life,” said Maline Cera, Corporate Communications Lead, Access Bank Mozambique. “As a group, we remain committed to building stronger communities through shared compassion and collective responsibility.”
As Access reflects on the impact of the 2025 blood drive, one truth stands out — its people, partners, and communities are always ready to rise, give, and shine.