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We live in tragic times. Millions are sheltering in place to avoid exacerbating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. How should we respond to such tragedies? This presentation argues that the human right to health can help us do so because it inspires human rights advocates, claimants, and those with responsibility for fulfilling the right to try hard to satisfy its claims. That is, the right should, and often does, give rise to what I call the virtue of creative resolve. This resolve embodies a fundamental commitment to finding creative solutions to what appear to be tragic dilemmas.

Nicole Hassoun is a Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Binghamton University. She is the founding director of the Global Health Impact Project, an initiative that evaluates access to essential medicines. Her recent work revolves around the exploration of health inequalities between different countries, particularly accentuated by the Coronavirus pandemic.