Access Group Staff Donates Blood across Africa in Life-Saving Initiative
In commemoration of World Blood Donor Day and
World Sickle Cell Day 2025, Access Holdings, one of Africa’s leading financial services
groups, successfully executed a group-wide blood drive across six African countries,
reinforcing its commitment to improving health outcomes and driving real impact in the
communities it serves.
Held under the theme “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell,” the initiative brought together
employees, community members, health professionals, and partner organisations in a
coordinated effort to provide safe blood donations, a lifeline for individuals living with
sickle cell disorder and others in critical need of transfusions.
A Continent United by Purpose
Blood donation is still one of the most essential yet underappreciated pillars of public
health in Africa. According to the World Health Organisation, Africa faces a significant
shortfall in safe and voluntary blood donations, a challenge that puts countless lives at
risk, especially those living with conditions such as Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD), which
affects millions across the continent.
Recognising this need, Access Holdings expanded its annual blood donation initiative
beyond Nigeria’s borders, extending its reach to African subsidiaries of its banking
group, Access Bank, in Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Cameroon. In some
countries, the drive focused specifically on supporting individuals living with sickle cell
disease, while in others, it formed part of broader efforts to strengthen national blood
banks and encourage a culture of voluntary donation.
“This was not just about donating blood, it was about showing up for our communities
when it matters most,” said Esther Graham, Programme Officer, Health, Access
Holdings. “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 an average of 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 life-saving impact and
reaffirm our shared humanity.”
www.accessbankplc.com
Real Impact, Tangible Results
The campaign witnessed strong participation from staff, customers, and local
community members, many of whom were first-time donors. To ensure safety and
ethical standards, Access Holdings partnered certified healthcare organisations and
blood banks to guarantee that every unit collected was properly handled and
responsibly distributed.
Key results from the drive include:
760+ pints of blood donated across 6 countries
Hundreds of lives potentially impacted, especially among patients with chronic
conditions
Increased public awareness around sickle cell disorder and the importance of
voluntary blood donation
High staff engagement, led by the Sustainability Champions Network across
Access subsidiaries
“It was heartwarming to see staff across all levels participate,” said Tania Macaneta,
Team Lead, Marketing and Communications, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank. “In
some locations, even community members and customers stepped up to donate. This
kind of unified action is what sustainable development truly looks like.”
More Than One-Time Campaign
The blood drive forms part of Access Holdings’ broader commitment to sustainability
and health equity under its impact agenda. In recent years, the Group has supported
sickle cell warriors through initiatives that include:
Free insurance cover for individuals living with SCD
Educational support and back-to-school items for affected children
Public awareness campaigns and screenings in underserved communities
By integrating sustainability into the fabric of its business operations, Access Holdings
continues to demonstrate that profit and purpose can, and should, go hand in hand.
“Blood donation is one of the most selfless acts anyone can make, it requires no
wealth, only the will to help. 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,”
said Allan Ratemo, Head of Corporate Communications, Access Bank Kenya.
www.accessbankplc.com
The Way Forward
While the 2025 blood drive may be over, its message endures: impact is a habit, not an
event. Through continued education, partnerships, and volunteerism, Access Holdings
is committed to fostering a culture of compassion and proactive health support across
Africa.
“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,” noted Maline Cera, Team Lead, Corporate
Communications, Access Bank Mozambique.
As Access Holdings reflects the impact of this year’s drive, one thing is certain; its staff,
partners, and communities are ready to keep showing up, time and again.
