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Access Bank Project 111 providing a lifeline for women battling fibroids 22 Oct 2024

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign tumours that develop within the uterus, posing a significant health challenge for many women globally. These growths are not cancerous, yet their presence can lead to various complications and symptoms that profoundly affect a woman’s quality of life. The etiology, or cause/manner of causation, of fibroids is complex and multifactorial, with a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contributing to their onset. Among these, elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone – the two hormones that play critical roles in regulating the menstrual cycle – are particularly influential in fuelling the growth of fibroids. Additional risk factors, such as family history, obesity, and dietary habits, further exacerbate their prevalence.

Fibroids can have far-reaching implications on women’s health, often causing a variety of debilitating symptoms. Common manifestations include severe pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, and reproductive complications, which can lead to emotional distress and anxiety. The impact of fibroids extends beyond mere physical discomfort; they can also significantly affect fertility, creating challenges for women trying to conceive or maintain a healthy pregnancy. This emotional toll can be particularly heavy for women who aspire to start or expand their families, as the presence of fibroids introduces uncertainty into their reproductive futures.

Despite the availability of various treatment options, the management of fibroids remains a challenge. Medications can help alleviate symptoms, but they often come with undesirable side effects and do not eliminate the fibroids themselves. In more severe cases, surgical interventions, such as myomectomy (removal of fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), may be necessary. However, these surgical options carry significant financial, emotional, and reproductive costs. The irreversible nature of a hysterectomy, which permanently ends a woman's ability to bear children, poses an especially difficult decision for many women, further complicating their journey toward treatment.

In Nigeria, the prevalence of uterine fibroids is a significant yet often overlooked health issue affecting a vast number of women. Studies estimate that between 70-80% of women will experience fibroids at some point in their lives, yet this condition remains shrouded in silence. This silence is largely due to stigma, a lack of awareness, and cultural taboos surrounding women's reproductive health. The situation is particularly alarming, as many women silently endure this condition without proper diagnosis or treatment.

One of the primary barriers to addressing fibroids in Nigeria is the high cost of medical care. Surgical options, such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, while often the most effective treatments for severe cases, can be prohibitively expensive. Treatment costs can range from N400,000.00 to N1 million or more, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the medical facility. This places life-saving care out of reach for many women, especially those from low-income or underserved communities. Furthermore, these costs do not account for post-surgery care, such as follow-up appointments, medication, and potential complications, further straining the financial resources of women and their families.

Access to quality healthcare in Nigeria is also unevenly distributed. While urban areas may have better-equipped hospitals and specialised care, women in rural areas often face a severe shortage of medical facilities and healthcare professionals. This disparity means that women in these regions are more likely to experience delays in diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating their symptoms and leading to more severe health outcomes.

Alarmingly, awareness of fibroids in Nigeria is critically low, with only 38% of women aware of available treatment options. Myths and misconceptions abound, leading many women to believe that fibroids are a curse, untreatable, or linked to past abortions. Such false beliefs, combined with cultural stigma, often result in delays in seeking medical care. Women suffering from fibroids frequently endure body shaming due to their visibly bloated abdomens and may be given unscientific advice, such as drinking harmful concoctions made from camphor and alligator pepper.

The lack of proper education about fibroids only worsens the problem. Many women remain unaware of the condition's symptoms and the medical solutions available to them. Cultural norms and misinformation surrounding reproductive health contribute to this silence, as discussions about such topics are often considered taboo. Consequently, countless women suffer for years, mistaking their symptoms for something they must simply tolerate or assuming that effective treatment is inaccessible or unaffordable. This silence, fuelled by both ignorance and stigma, prevents many women from receiving the care they desperately need.

Recognising the urgent need to address these gaps, Project 111, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Access Bank’s Retail Banking Group, has stepped in to make a transformative impact. Launched in 2022, Project 111 is more than just a health campaign; it serves as a lifeline for many women grappling with the realities of fibroids. The initiative is designed to impact “1 woman, 1 family, 1 generation” by raising awareness about fibroids and providing crucial support to women across Nigeria.

Project 111 takes a comprehensive approach to addressing fibroids, encompassing fundraising efforts, offering free surgeries, launching awareness and advocacy campaigns, and establishing resource centres. By aligning with national health priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those aimed at improving access to reproductive health services, Project 111 is effecting real change in women’s lives.

To tackle the knowledge gap, Project 111 conducts nationwide campaigns that educate women about the symptoms, risks, and treatment options available for fibroids. Symptoms such as frequent urination, abdominal pain, heavy menstrual flow, fatigue, and weakness can deeply affect a woman's daily life and her relationships. For many, the stigma associated with fibroids can lead to lost opportunities, including engagement prospects, due to misconceptions about their ability to conceive or the assumption that their condition is self-inflicted.

Project 111 seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by raising awareness, providing essential medical support, and changing lives, one woman at a time. Over the past year, the initiative has successfully delivered on its promise of tangible change, providing over 100 free fibroid surgeries across five geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Other supports have directly impacted more than 4,000 women, enabling them to reclaim their health and restore hope for their futures. The ripple effect of this initiative extends far beyond the operating room, reaching families and future generations.

Deliberately, Project 111 does not stop at surgical intervention and support for treatment. Recognising the critical need for widespread education, the Access Retail Banking Team launched the **‘Wear White Campaign’** during Fibroid Awareness Month in July. This public outreach effort aims to bring the conversation about fibroids into the open, encouraging women to seek help and support without fear of judgment. In its pilot phase, the campaign reached over 13,566 women nationwide, leading to 44 women receiving comprehensive diagnoses and treatment recommendations, and three women benefiting from non-invasive treatments.

The impact of Project 111 is not only quantifiable in numbers but also in the heartfelt stories of women who, after years of suffering, have found relief and new possibilities through the initiative. As the project ramps up in its second year, its goals are even more ambitious. The team aims to reach 100,000 women with awareness campaigns, provide 500 women with free diagnostic tests, and support 100 women in need of surgery. Furthermore, the initiative's reach extends beyond Nigeria, with webinars that have educated thousands of women across 33 different countries. These online sessions, led by specialised health experts, offer crucial information and support to women battling fibroids on a global scale.

Project 111 serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of CSR when executed thoughtfully. It underscores the profound impact that businesses can have when they commit to addressing critical health issues. Through this initiative, Access Bank is not only supporting women's health but also fostering a culture of empowerment and awareness within communities. By providing both education and medical support, Project 111 is enabling women to take control of their health and their futures.

In a country where conversations about women’s health are often sidelined, Project 111 is successfully bringing fibroids to the forefront, ensuring that women no longer have to suffer in silence. As awareness increases and more women access the support they require, we envision a future where reproductive health discussions are normalised, and effective treatment options are readily available to all. Project 111 exemplifies how targeted and well-resourced initiatives can tackle pervasive health issues, creating a meaningful and lasting impact – one woman, one family, and one generation at a time.

Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan is Sustainability Advisor, Access Holdings Plc.