A regional anthology: 20 years of action on antibiotic resistance

2026-01-28

ReAct Latin America celebrated the ReAct network's twentieth anniversary with a regional commemorative anthology that brings together almost two decades of participatory research-action addressing antibiotic resistance in Latin America. The regional anthology includes materials, approaches, and methodologies collaboratively developed with diverse social and academic sectors, with the aim of fostering new paradigms, actions, policies, and practices based on the advances, lessons learned, and ongoing challenges of this global health issue. For the release many collaborators from the region was invited to celebrate.

The release of the ReAct Latin America Commemorative Anthology took place on 4 December 2025 through a webinar that brought together a broad network of collaborators from across the region and around the world, including academic leaders, community leaders, human, animal, and environmental health professionals, researchers, educators and artists.

Regional impact and international recognition

During the event, ReAct Latin America’s experience was recognized as a significant regional contribution to the global debate on antibiotic resistance, particularly for its emphasis on dialogue among communities, academia, health systems, decision-makers, and international organizations.

Integration is key

This comprehensive and integrative perspective has put focus and lift the social, cultural, productive, and environmental dimensions of antibiotic resistance. This by integrating scientific and community-based knowledge, promoting the responsible use of antibiotics, care of the human microbiome, and food sovereignty as central pillars and effective responses to antibiotic resistance.

From an international perspective, Professor Anthony So of Johns Hopkins University (USA) – a leading expert in antibiotic policy and a long-standing ReAct collaborator – noted that experiences developed in Latin America have enriched global discussions on antimicrobial governance, emphasizing that “local and community-based responses offer fundamental lessons for public policy-making at the international level.”

Arturo Quizhpe, Director ReAct Latin America, says:

“From inception the ReAct Latin America network has committed to fostering new human–microbial relationships, preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics, and restoring the dignity of Mother Earth as necessary conditions to address antibiotic resistance.”

Rethink antibiotic resistance

The commemorative anthology was one of the central pillars of the event. The publication brings together almost twenty years of regional conceptual production, community-based experiences, and advocacy actions related to antibiotic resistance from Latin America.

Organized into six themes, the work reflects a collaborative and trans-disciplinary process with contributions from researchers, communities, educators, artists, human, animal, and environmental health professionals, food producers and representatives of international organizations.

Appreciation

Within the framework of this anniversary, ReAct Latin America extends its sincere appreciation to the individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions that have been part of this collective journey.

Join our vision!

It also invites citizens, social movements, and public and academic institutions to join this shared vision, which recognizes that human health is deeply intertwined with the health of the planet.

In the regional Commemorative Anthology, you find outstanding work on the microbiome, antibiotic resistance, planetary health, health education and sustainable agri-food systems. We invite readers to download, read, and share it to continue collectively strengthening comprehensive responses to antibiotic resistance.