ReAct drives global progress on antibiotic resistance through multi-level engagement in 2024

2024-12-16

In a year marked by unprecedented attention to antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), ReAct was confirmed as a key player in shaping global policy and mobilizing action at multiple levels during 2024. The ReAct network made significant strides in high-level advocacy, regional mobilization, community engagement, and strategic communications, while successfully bringing new actors and voices into the AMR space, particularly youth groups and sectors beyond human health.

High-Level policy engagement

At the forefront of ReAct’s achievements was its prominent role at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (UNGA HLM) on AMR in New York. The organization brought together representatives from all four of its regional nodes, co-organizing a well-attended side event that showcased community voices and civil society perspectives. In the run-up to the UNGA HLM ReAct carried out the “From People to Leaders: Act on AMR NOW!” campaign, which had 730 signatories for its Call for Global Action on AMR, almost 200 of them from communities and civil society groups around the globe.

Following the UNGA HLM, ReAct maintained momentum at the 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The organization pushed for concrete action to achieve the UNGA Declaration’s goal of reducing AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030, emphasizing the need for practical implementation strategies and adequate financing to address resource constraints faced by many countries.

Regional activities and achievements

Regional mobilization formed another crucial pillar of ReAct’s work. In Africa, ReAct co-hosted its 9th regional AMR annual conference in Livingstone, Zambia, drawing 145 participants from 47 countries. The conference, themed “Global Accountability for AMR response: Investing in priorities for Africa,” marked ReAct Africa’s 10th anniversary and produced key recommendations for strengthening AMR responses across the continent, including improved National Action Plan implementation.

As part of its efforts to mobilize youth, ReAct Africa also launched the African Youth AMR Alliance Task Force, which comprises of 13 youth-led organizations from across Africa. The Task Force will up structures and working on a 5-year strategic plan to tackle AMR.

In Asia-Pacific, the organization convened a significant conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, bringing together stakeholders from 19 countries and over 25 civil society organizations. The conference, focusing on unifying regional voices on AMR, featured Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Health and emphasized the One Health approach.

Latin America saw ReAct’s active participation in the World Social Forum of Transformative Economies in Cali, Colombia, on the eve of the COP16 meeting. The organization made significant progress in reaching new countries like Bolivia, conducting numerous workshops and presentations, including the innovative “Charter of the Invisibles” initiative, which connected AMR issues with broader environmental and social justice concerns.

Community engagement and communications

Community engagement remain central to ReAct’s work. The organization strengthened its partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) through the “Empowered Communities to Address Antimicrobial Resistance” initiative and the “From People to Leaders” initiative, showcasing community-led solutions. A notable project in the ReAct Africa region included documenting activities in Lusaka’s Matero community, highlighting how AMR affects vulnerable populations and documenting local healthcare workers’ experiences.

On the communication front, ReAct made a significant impact through its participation in Independent Television News (ITN) Business’s program “Defending Our Health: Unravelling Antimicrobial Resistance.” Released strategically before the UNGA HLM, the program showcased ReAct’s advocacy for equitable access to antibiotics and sustainable solutions to combat AMR, while addressing terminology challenges between AMR and ABR to improve public understanding.

Challenges and future outlook

While 2024 saw increased mobilization and awareness, ReAct acknowledges that significant challenges remain in terms of financing and implementation of National Action Plans on AMR in low and middle-income countries, and meaningful engagement of populations in situations of vulnerability.

Looking ahead, ReAct continues to advocate for stronger accountability mechanisms in global AMR governance, increased investment in low- and middle-income countries, and integration of AMR efforts into existing health programs.