Through Access Bank Cameroon’s Women-Focused Platforms, Access Women Network and The W Initiative, in partnership with BeaconPasteur Laboratory, the Bank brought breast cancer awareness to life through health-focused activities and financial assistance for patients at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala.
For people battling cancer, the fight extends beyond diagnosis and treatment. The emotional strain of illness can be compounded by the financial burden of medical care, leaving patients and their families facing difficult choices at an already challenging time.
It is against this reality that Access Bank Cameroon’s Pink October initiative took on a deeper meaning this October, as Access Women Network (AWN) and The W Initiative helped ease the medical bills of some cancer patients during a visit to Laquintinie Hospital in Douala.
The visit marked the culmination of a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness, women’s health and the importance of early detection. Delivered in partnership with BeaconPasteur Laboratory, the initiative brought together health-focused engagements and practical support, demonstrating a commitment to moving beyond awareness towards meaningful action.
From awareness to action
Throughout October, Access Women Network and The W Initiative championed breast cancer awareness through health-focused activities such as webinars and educative content designed to encourage greater attention to women’s health and reinforce the importance of seeking appropriate medical guidance.
Working alongside BeaconPasteur Laboratory, the platforms contributed to conversations around breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the need to make women’s health a shared priority. The collaboration brought together the Bank’s women-focused platforms and a healthcare partner around a common objective: strengthening awareness while encouraging proactive health choices.
However, the campaign’s most tangible expression of solidarity came during the visit to Laquintinie Hospital.
Received by Dr. Manga Belibi, an Oncologist at the Laquintinie Hospital the delegation extended financial assistance towards the medical bills of some patients receiving care at the hospital.
By helping to ease some of these expenses, Access Women Network and The W Initiative gave concrete expression to the spirit of Pink October: standing with people affected by cancer and recognising that compassion must be accompanied by action.
Standing with women when it matters most
For Doris Ateh Bodylawson, Chairperson of Access Women Network, the initiative reflects the importance of connecting advocacy with practical support.
“Our visit to Laquintinie Hospital was an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with patients and help ease some of the financial pressures they face. We believe that supporting women means standing with them not only in moments of celebration, but also in moments of vulnerability and need.”
The hospital visit also underscored the value of partnerships that recognise the broader needs of patients and complement healthcare with community support.
Dr. Manga, Laquintinie Hospital while acknowledging the support said “Cancer can place significant emotional and financial pressure on patients and their families. Support that helps ease some of these financial challenges can make a meaningful difference during a difficult period.”
About The W Initiative
The W Initiative is Access Bank’s women-focused banking proposition, designed to support women’s personal and business aspirations through financial solutions and initiatives that promote financial inclusion and economic participation.
About Access Women Network
Access Women Network (AWN) is Access Bank Cameroon’s women-focused employee network, bringing colleagues together around women’s empowerment, well-being, professional development and inclusion.
