Nyandeni, SinethembaRaliphaswa, N.S.Musie, Maurine RofhiwaMaputle, Maria S.Gundo, RodwellMulaudzi, Fhumulani MavisSepeng, Nombulelo Veronica2024-11-142024-11-142024-09Nyandeni, S., Raliphaswa, N.S., Musie, M.R. et al. Exploring maternal and child healthcare projects in South African communities through Ubuntu lens: an appreciative inquiry. BMC Nursing 23, 619 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02267-3.1472-6955 (online)10.1186/s12912-024-02267-3http://hdl.handle.net/2263/99063DATA AVAILABITY STATEMENT: The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.BACKGROUND: Ubuntu, a Nguni Bantu term meaning “humanity towards other”, embodies a philosophy of collectivism, interconnectedness and mutual respect, which is deeply ingrained in South African culture. Ubuntu led community-based collaborative projects enhance community engagement of several stakeholders to ensure improved health outcomes for the mothers and children in the region. Similarly, collaborations between universities are required to co-create evidence-based interventions with healthcare systems and communities to achieve healthcare objectives. This paper explores maternal and child healthcare (MCH) projects in South African communities through the Ubuntu lens, using an appreciative inquiry approach. METHODS: A Qualitative approach based on the 5-cycle of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as proposed by Cooperrider and Srivastava were applied. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants (n=14) who are members of the Ubuntu MCH project. Data was gathered through workshop group discussions. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis followed the six steps of narrative analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: Academic growth of personnel; professional empowerment and Ubuntu mentorship. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that the Ubuntu principles emphasises solidarity, cohesion, and collaboration. The study recommends leveraging on Ubuntu principles to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, suggesting that such this approach can lead to more sustainable and impactful health improvements in South African communities.en© The Author(s) 2024. Open Access. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.UbuntuAppreciative inquirySouth African CommunitiesMaternal health careChild health careSouth African communitiesSDG-03: Good health and well-beingSDG-17: Partnerships for the goalsArticle