ReAct 20 years: Launch of new Toolbox page for youth!

2025-03-27

To mark ReAct's 20th anniversary, we are launching a brand new youth - engagement page in the ReAct Toolbox! This new resource provides young changemakers with the tools, initatives and inspiration needed to adress antibiotic resistance. From leadership programs to hands-on projects, the page highlights youth-driven efforts from around the world.

Equipping youth with the right tools

This new page offers tools, initiatives and resources designed to involve youth in addressing antibiotic resistance. The page provides practical tools and examples that illustrate how young people can actively participate and drive change in this field. It also showcases youth-related projects across the ReAct nodes, demonstrating the vital contributions and initiatives led by young people across different regions. For instance, the AMR leaders program empowers students across Africa with leadership training and mentorship, equipping them to lead antibiotic resistance initiatives in their communities. By prioritizing youth engagement, we equip the next generation with valuable knowledge and resources to address antibiotic resistance. Their fresh perspectives bring new solutions to global challenges, fostering innovation and driving meaningful impact in public health.

Expert insight:
The power of youth in AMR action

Dr. Pablo Estrella Porter, MD, MPH, PhD(s), Chair of the WMA Junior Doctors Network and Member of the Quadripartite Working Group on Youth Engagement for AMR, emphasizes the importance of this new initiative:

“As WMA Junior Doctors Network Chair and a member of the Quadripartite Working Group on Youth Engagement for AMR, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of engaging young people in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Centralizing youth engagement resources—like this new Toolbox page—not only gives access to essential, evidence-based resources, but also empowers young leaders to design and implement campaigns that truly resonate in their communities. When youth are equipped with the right tools and information, they become powerful agents of change, driving innovative solutions and sustainable impact on global health.”

Get involved:
Join our toolbox assessment team

To ensure the ReAct Toolbox remains a dynamic and relevant resource, we are also inviting young professionals and students to join our Toolbox assessment team as part of this launch. Participants will review select Toolbox pages and provide feedback on usability, relevance and accessibility.This is a great opportunity to contribute to the development of a global resource on antibiotic resistance, while gaining experience in public health advocacy. In exchange for participation, volunteers will receive a certificate of participation.

Why your voice matters in addressing antibiotic resistance

Youth involvement plays a crucial role in shaping the future of global health and by offering a platform where young people can meet and take action, we empower them to make a real impact. These efforts not only reflect our long-standing commitment but also embody the core of our work. At ReAct, we are committed to amplifying young voices and creating an environment where they are heard and can have a lasting impact, contributing to the building of a healthier and more sustainable future.

ReAct youth engagement activities

Youth engagement has for many years been a core component of ReAct’s work. ReAct has worked together with children and youth to drive change through a number of initiatives and projects, many still active today. Here are some examples:

Alforja Educativa: Student health and microbial world, Latin America
African Youth AMR Alliance Task Force
Antimicrobial Resistance Leadership Program (AMRLEP) Africa
ReAct Africa Youth Innovation Hub to Address AMR
The Antibiotic Stewardship and Prevention of Infection in Communities (ASPIC), India

ReAct celebrates 20 years of action on antibiotic resistance!

The release of the Youth page is part of the celebrations!

The story of ReAct began 20 years ago with a small group of passionate global health advocates, several of whom are still part of the network today. Driven by the urgency of antibiotic resistance, ReAct has grown into a global movement with offices across four continents, influencing policy, empowering communities, and shaping governance.

Despite progress, global efforts remain insufficient, and urgent action is needed. ReAct remains committed to driving stronger responses to safeguard effective antibiotics for all.

ReAct’s 20-year journey has transformed AMR governance, strengthened health systems, and mobilized communities worldwide. As we look to the future, we invite partners and funders to join us in scaling impact, driving innovation, and securing sustainable solutions — for a world free from untreatable infections.

The story of ReAct