Global health and the dialectics of solidarity through Ubuntu and European perspectives

The concept of solidarity plays a central role in shaping both African and European cultural responses to social and political challenges, although its interpretations diverge significantly. In African societies, solidarity is rooted in the relational philosophy of ubuntu, where individual identity is understood as inseparable from the community, emphasising collective well-being and mutual care. This is reflected in practices, such as community-based caregiving for the sick and elderly, traditional healing networks and shared child-rearing. In parts of West Africa, for example among the Igbo, co-wives may sleep over at the home of a bereaved wife to provide emotional support and boost morale during mourning. In contrast, European models of solidarity are often institutionalised and rights-based, focusing on balancing individual autonomy with collective welfare within legal frameworks. This paper explores these two distinct approaches to solidarity and examines their implications in global health, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. Ubuntu’s emphasis on communal responsibility offers a valuable framework for addressing health inequities, suggesting that global health is a shared responsibility that transcends national borders and individual interests. Conversely, European solidarity, shaped by enlightenment principles and liberal democratic traditions, often prioritises individual rights and institutional mechanisms to ensure health equity. This dialectical exploration highlights the evolving nature of solidarity in a globalised world, where African and European models of solidarity are increasingly hybridised to address global health disparities. Drawing on examples such as the Ritshidze community-led HIV care monitoring initiative in South Africa, alongside international efforts like COVAX, this paper evaluates how solidarity, in both its African and European forms, can influence global health policy and collective action, promoting more inclusive and equitable health systems worldwide.