AstraZeneca has successfully wrapped up its inaugural Week of Service, held from September 16 to 20, 2024, across its African operations. Employees from the company’s various offices across the continent came together to volunteer their time, skills, and resources, reinforcing AstraZeneca’s dedication to making a positive societal impact and promoting environmental sustainability.

During the Week of Service, staff members from countries including Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa engaged in diverse activities aimed at enhancing community resilience, supporting children's education, and championing environmental protection. Initiatives included donations to local orphanages, environmental clean-up drives, educational support, and mentorship programs for children in underserved areas.

Highlights from the Week of Service included:

- Cameroon:Employees donated food supplies and essential goods to the ‘Foundation Famille Chrétienne’ orphanage.
 
- Ivory Coast: The team provided school kits for students by donating to the NGO Les Zinzins du Bonheur to improve educational access.

- Senegal:AstraZeneca staff contributed food supplies and necessities to the Nursery of Medina, managed by the Franciscan Sisters.

- Ghana: Employees collected and distributed food and essential items to a local orphanage, aiding in child development.

- Kenya:The team engaged with children at Morning Star Ministries Children’s Home through cooking, cleaning, mentoring, and gifting, while also visiting Victorious Joy Children’s Home to offer support.

-South Africa:Employees participated in local door-to-door donation drives, environmental cleanup initiatives, and engaged with children at the Princess Alice Adoption Home.

Deepak Arora, African Cluster Country President at AstraZeneca, commented, “At AstraZeneca, our success is closely linked to the well-being of the communities where we operate. The Week of Service provides a platform for our employees to give back, connect, and collaborate towards a sustainable future. This year’s initiatives displayed our team's remarkable dedication across Africa, and we take immense pride in the positive impacts we achieved.”

During the Week of Service, AstraZeneca employees logged a total of 1,600 service hours, with around 200 individuals participating in various projects. This collective effort emphasizes the company’s strong commitment to societal contributions, fostering healthier and more resilient communities through engaged volunteerism.

Amit Bhakri, Country Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at AstraZeneca, added, “Participating in the Week of Service was incredibly fulfilling. By supporting children in orphanages, promoting education, and aiding environmental preservation, we united around a common goal. The knowledge that my efforts could significantly affect my community instills pride in working for a company that values giving back. It is inspiring to collaborate with colleagues who share the same passion for positive change.”

The AstraZeneca Week of Service is part of the company's broader sustainability agenda aimed at creating Healthier, More Resilient Communities. Through this annual initiative, AstraZeneca seeks to address social challenges, contribute to local development, and enhance environmental stewardship globally.