As part of 25th anniversary commemoration: UNICS Plc mobilises staff, public to boost blood donation nationwide.

UNICS Plc conducted the blood drives simultaneously at all its branches throughout the country, drawing a significant number of voluntary donors.

UNICS organised the exercise in partnership with the National Blood Transfusion Service, NBTS, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, in Cameroon. 

Officials of the financial institution said it is part of UNICS's commitment to give back to the community as it clocks 25 years in existence.

Officials said the campaign dubbed: “My Blood: A Life”, aims to accelerate and intensify blood donation awareness, education, and practice across Cameroon. 

Additionally, UNICs Plc, it was said, through the campaign, targeted ensuring greater access to blood for those in need. 

Donors laud life-saving initiative

The humanitarian effort received widespread applause from donors, many of whom highlighted the critical importance of regular blood donations.  

Varsity lecturer, Jacques Tagoudjeu, the first donor of the day in Yaounde, encouraged UNICS to make the campaign regular to boost blood availability in health facilities.

The Branch Manager of UNICS Plc Marche Centrale Yaounde, Audrey Tchomba, said she was proud to have donated blood, noting that through him, somebody's life will be saved.

Tchomba emphasised the importance of the UNICS Plc-led drive, stating that “it's not when you need blood that you have to start gathering your family members and friends to assist. As a mother, I think about my children, I think about my family”.

Another donor, business consultant, Brian Azemchap, recounted his personal experience that underscored the need for blood. 

"Once, my mom was very sick. She was operated upon and we needed blood, so I donated.  Imagine I wasn't there, where would they have gotten blood from," he mused. 

Azemchap added that "giving blood is good for you, the person giving blood. It helps your cells to regenerate so it's a good thing".

Medical Biologist, Tchiapi Richard, a regular donor since 2019, said there "…are no potential risks involved in giving blood. Everything is taken care, checked, and controlled. The benefits are enormous".

A staff of UNICS Plc, Halle Belly-Brandy, said the initiative brought her face-to-face with the reality people go through in hospitals related to blood. 

"I saw a lot of people in the hospital who were sick, needed blood, and at a certain point, there was no blood in the hospital. I saw the stress and tension in those patients and their families,” Halle said, noting that it is joyous to give.

UNICS Plc lauded for novel, altruistic initiative

The blood donation drive by UNICS Plc garnered praises from health officials. The General Manager of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Prof Dora Mbanya, commended UNICS Plc for leading by example. 

"By mobilising its staff first before the public, UNICS is preaching by example,” Prof Mbanya said. 

Giving that most citizens do not have the habit of donating blood, Prof Mbanya said: "For UNICS on its own to contact us and mobilise its team so that we can come collect blood, I think it is the best thing that could happen”.

A Laboratory Technician at the Cité Vert District Hospital blood bank, Messanga Donald, said donating blood is synonymous to giving life. 

“We are delighted that UNICS Plc is also thinking about the health aspect of its activities," he said. 

Over 115 bags donated

The campaign yielded impressive results, with over 115 bags of blood collected across the various donation sites. Public Health Senior Inspector, Tiock Epolle, who organised the collection across six sites in four regions, highlighted the critical impact of the initiatives.

Epolle said there is severe scarcity of blood bags in Cameroon, with a coverage rate of less than 40%. 

"This initiative will help to replenish the stock of blood bags in health facilities, which will be of real benefit to those who are in need," he stated.

UNICS’ GM on institution’s commitment to society

The General Manager of UNICS Plc, Chenwi Gerald, articulated the institution's motivation behind the campaign.

"This campaign is a continuation of our commitment to creating impact in society and our way of showing gratitude in this anniversary year,” Chenwi said. 

The General Manager also stressed on UNICS’s broader vision beyond financial services. 

"Aside from being a financial powerhouse for low-income earners, UNICS wants to be at the forefront of making sure that when Cameroonians need blood, they can easily find it," he said.

Chenwi extended gratitude to the NBTS and the Red Cross for supporting the move. 

"Blood donation is a voluntary but very generous act that saves lives. Together with its partners, UNICS is determined to further sensitize and mobilize the public so that more and more Cameroonians make donating their blood a frequent and common practice,” Chenwi noted.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3456 of Monday May 26, 2025