THEME
Effective antibiotics are a cornerstone of basic and specialized medicine. The emergence of resistance in bacteria to antibiotics is slowly dismantling our ability to treat infections, alleviate human suffering, and save lives. The COVID-19 pandemic is a clear reminder of the deadly consequences the world faces, when we do not have the right treatments or vaccines available when needed.
ReAct is an independent network dedicated to the problem of antibiotic resistance. ReAct is a global catalyst, advocating and stimulating for global engagement on antibiotic resistance through a broad range of collaborations.
Policy news
On 29 November – 1 December, the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA74) gathers for a special session to consider developing a new WHO convention, agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic preparedness and response. Given many similarities in actions required a “pandemic treaty” may be a clear opportunity to ensure that antibiotic resistance – the silent ongoing pandemic – is also addressed.
Theme
The rapid spread of antibiotic resistance around the world has evoked calls at the highest levels of the United Nations and its member governments to urgently adopt measures to tackle the growing problem. While these and other global and national policy initiatives are highly welcome and much needed, the world cannot afford to solely wait for them to be translated into action and change on the ground.
The top-down approach needs to be complemented with action and mobilization on grass-root level since the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance is tightly linked to the practices and behaviors of individuals.
News
The Latin American Meeting “Empowered Communities facing antimicrobial resistance in the context of COVID-19”, organized by ReAct Latin America, the Pan American Health Organization and Florida International University, was held from 10 to 12 November. This Meeting analyzed the role of the community and its diverse forms of organization and wisdom in facing the pandemic. Here are a few lessons learned from the meeting days, we also look into future approaches that might be of interest.
News
The ReAct Strategic Policy Program is mentoring student champions through Innovate4Health.
To tackle antimicrobial resistance, there is a need not only for bottom-up innovation but also for creatives ideas to the social and medical challenges of antimicrobial resistance and other emerging infections. Innovate4Health endeavors to enable students to not only take up these issues, but also play an active role in tackling them. Now we can present this year’s 15 teams and their projects.
Blog post
Marking the beginning of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, Anna Zorzet and Scott Howard make the case that often the most important treatment for people with cancer are the drugs that cure their infections.
Celebration!
This year ReAct is celebrating 15 years of action on antibiotic resistance. The story of ReAct started 15 years ago with a small group of people, many who are still with the network today. Here you find articles, a newly published report and webinar that we have produced to celebrate our 15 years of action on antibiotic resistance.
Theme
ReAct articles relating to COVID-19 and antibiotic resistance.
The ReAct Toolbox is a user-friendly web-based resource that provides inspiration and guidance to take action and develop national action plans on antibiotic resistance. It is built on what has been done in the past in a variety of settings, and is aligned with ongoing and current initiatives from across the globe.
In the last 70 years the use of antibiotics has been crucial in improving countless lives and drastically reducing deaths caused by bacterial infections. The increasing development of antibiotic resistance is posing a serious threat to human health and development, the environment and for animal health. Learn more about ReAct’s work on antibiotic resistance here.
ReAct is a global network of antibiotic resistance experts with nodes in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America.
Involved in developing and implementing your country's National Action Plan on AMR? Here you find support tools and inspiration.
Engagement from civil society organizations and communities is needed to tackle antibiotic resistance. Learn more about how to get involved.
Globally coordinated governance on antimicrobial resistance - to ensures a sustainable response that takes into account the conditions for LMICs
A public health driven and end-to-end approach to innovation that enables sustainable access to effective antibiotics in LMICs