Miriam Mutebi Reflects on Ubuntu and African Philanthropy in Cancer Care
Miriam Mutebi, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, posted on LinkedIn:
“When you think philanthropy, most people picture Bill Gates or some billionaire raising funds through their foundation.
In Africa, we often assume this is the gold standard, and so we chase after global institutions with urgency and hope.
But the truth is, African philanthropy hasn’t been built on wealth. It’s been built on Ubuntu. And without it, we wouldn’t be speaking of the Africa we have today.
FACT. We’ve always lived and thrived by showing up for one another, not through billion-dollar endowments, but through everyday acts of solidarity. Think about our weddings and funerals. No forms. No long proposals. Just people rallying, showing up with whatever they have. Ubuntu thrives here.
So why not apply the same spirit to cancercare?
Some of the most meaningful advances in cancer support across the continent have come from within: local barazas fundraising for treatment, friends hosting screening drives, community health workers pooling resources for diagnostic tools.
It’s not about the size of the gift. It’s about the strength of the community behind it.
In my high school days, I was a resident actor in our production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, based on the iconic 1971 musical. One song that resonated deeply with me was “L’Chaim,” a phrase of Hebrew origin meaning “To Life!” It celebrates resilience, joy, and community.
So here’s to raising a (water) glass proactively to health. That’s Ubuntu friends. That’s African philanthropy.”
More posts featuring Miriam Mutebi.
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Challenging the Status Quo in Colorectal Cancer 2024
December 6-8, 2024
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ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
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ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023