For 20 years ReAct has built a wide global network for stronger action on antibiotic resistance. Growing from a few contacts in a few countries to a worldwide movement connecting researchers, policymakers and communities.
As ReAct marks this milestone, 20 voices from across its extended network reflect on collaborations that have shaped both careers and regional AMR approaches. These testimonials reveal how ReAct's "whole-of-society" approach has created lasting partnerships extending beyond traditional medical boundaries demonstrating a collaborative spirit that continues to drive the global AMR movement forward.
Thank you for sharing your voices!
Dr Martha Gyansa Lutterodt Photo: Private
“ReAct has been an energy galvanizing actor across the globe on antibiotic resistance bringing together the science, policy and community involvement.
As one of the Premier Non-Governmental, Organizations in the space, you set the pace in pushing for global actions to impact local actions, whether in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
I have no doubt your next 20 years would more impactful and your relevance, as awesome.
Happy 20th Anniversary, ReAct…… Keep leading.”
Dr Mrs Martha Gyansa-Lutterodt
“ReAct has been at the forefront of the global fight against antimicrobial resistance for twenty years. The world is a safer and fairer place thanks to the collaboration and expertise that ReAct brings to communities globally.
Thank you, ReAct for your leadership, ambition and dedication to saving lives. I hope that your next twenty years brings us closer to a world with effective antibiotics for all.”
Dame Sally, Physician and former Chief Medical Officer for England
“Two decades ago, only microbiology and infectious disease professionals knew about the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Today, thanks to ReAct, communities, schools, people in the countryside and in the city know the importance of AMR and their responsibility to contain it.
The partnership with ReAct has been strategic for PAHO, as together, we have been able to join forces to improve the appropriate use of antimicrobials, hygiene, and the acceptance of vaccination in communities.
The involvement of communities in AMR with a One Health perspective would not have been possible without them, as demonstrated at the event in the vicinity of the UN General Assembly in September 2024.
Thank you, Arturo Quizhpe and Otto Cars.”
Pilar Ramon-Pardo, Chief of the Special Program on Antimicrobial Resistance, PAHO Washington D.C.
“On the occasion of ReAct’s 20th anniversary year, I consider it a privilege to thank ReAct, its founder, the leadership and teams across each node, for their tireless work of advocacy and community engagement over the last two decades to improve antibiotic use.
As former Director of ReAct Asia Pacific for over 6 years, it was a joy to be a part of the family and contribute through various activities such as the development of the Antibiotic Smart Communities, multiple community publications such as the ‘Journey of an Antibiotic’, collaborating and implementing Sub-National Action Plans on AMR, the Community Advocacy Platform, the ASPIC clubs work with youth and schoolchildren, and numerous training workshops for stakeholders across the sectors.
Each of these activities, ably supported by an excellent team of dedicated and committed individuals at ReAct Asia Pacific, and the wider ReAct family, has gone a long way in kindling a spark and catalyzing forward momentum towards AMR mitigation in the region and beyond.
My sincere appreciation to ReAct and best wishes for their crucial work in the coming decade!”
Dr. Sujith J Chandy, Executive Director, ICARS
“GARDP is very proud to be a partner of ReAct, which over the last 20 years has played such an important role in raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and in supporting governments in developing and implementing their AMR national action plans. Over the past few years, ReAct’s advocacy efforts to communicate the need for antibiotic research and development, and improved access to both existing and new antibiotic treatments, have helped to support GARDP’s mission, particularly across Africa. We congratulate ReAct on this incredible milestone and look forward to continued and valuable collaboration in the years to come.”
Manica Balasegaram, Executive Director, GARDP
”Over the years working with ReACT I have found that the name is a misnomer – it should be “ProACT” to reflect the proactive, and tireless work of the community I am happy to feel part of.”
Stefan Peterson, KI, Unicef Health, Unicef Sweden, Makerere University
“People living with cancer are more susceptible to infections, which can complicate treatment. Therefore, antimicrobial resistance is undermining key advances being made in cancer care and the quality of life of people living with cancer, even threatening their survival. UICC is committed to providing evidence-based guidance in tackling AMR, and in this regard, ReAct’s expert contribution as part of the UICC Task Force on AMR and cancer care has been invaluable. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to address AMR and improve cancer care outcomes.”
Shalini Jayasekar Zürn, Senior Advocacy Manager, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
“My experience with ReAct has been incredibly impactful, revealing the critical importance of a multifaceted approach to antibiotic resistance. What resonates deeply is their commitment to translating scientific understanding into tangible policy and community action. Antibiotic resistance matters to me because it represents a fundamental threat to global health security, necessitating urgent and coordinated action. A particularly memorable experience was witnessing the powerful synergy between researchers, policymakers, and thought leaders at the ReAct Asia Pacific conference on Antibiotic Resistance in August of last year. Wishing you all the best and looking for future collaboration.”
Dr. Jameela Mohammed Al-Salman, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain
” I’ve always been deeply community-focused in my public health practice, but being part of React over the past decade has truly transformed how I design and implement interventions. Through this journey, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many inspiring AMR champions, strengthening my network, and embracing more holistic, multisectoral approaches. It’s been an honor to collaborate on such meaningful and impactful initiatives. Here’s to another decade of purpose-driven work together!”
Mario Crios Medegan, Mouvement Universel pour la Survie de l’Humanite’s (MUSUHUM)
“I collaborate with React on topics related to the microbiome and its importance during the first 1000 days of life, through outreach talks and the development of bibliographic materials. Alongside La Alforja, I participate in training programs for educators to engage children with the microbial world, particularly in relation to food, gardening, and through the creation of playful educational resources focused on this critical stage of development.
As a medical doctor, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent and ongoing concern in the field of public health, both now and for the future. In my role as a university lecturer, I see it as essential to educate students about the One Health approach and to promote interdisciplinary collaboration with professionals in veterinary medicine, agronomy, ecology, and related fields. It is crucial that students grasp the complexity of AMR and the importance of building collective awareness and action.
The most memorable and inspiring moments in my journey with React have been the encounters with the team, the community, children, and the diverse cultures that connect and unite us. Sharing knowledge, common goals, a deep respect for nature, and a love for what we do give meaning and strength to our collective work”.
Alejandra Rodriguez, Argentina Physician, University of Buenos Aires. Tocogynecologist. Adjunct Professor of Integral Women’s Health, School of Medicine, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina
“Working with ReAct was the most exciting collaboration to contain AMR in the community. Antibiotic resistance is a creeping non-natural disaster that will be catastrophic for the family and the country.
My memorable moment of ReAct is the need to work together with all people to prevent, detect and respond to AMR globally.”
Dr. Emil Agustiono M Epid, Senior Director of Government Engagement, DAI Fleming Fund
“Collaborating with ReAct has been a unique opportunity to connect community action with public health policy in our Region. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat that jeopardizes the equity and sustainability of our health systems, especially in vulnerable populations. I will never forget the excitement of seeing girls and boys, from Quito to Medellin, learn about bacteria, handwashing and proper antibiotic use through play and art: a living demonstration of the transformative power of empowered communities.”
Nathalie El Omeiri. Advisor, Special Antimicrobial Resistance Program, PAHO Washington D.C
“Congratulations to ReAct on two decades of tireless advocacy and action against antimicrobial resistance. I fondly recall our collaborative efforts to develop stewardship programs that have made real impacts in healthcare settings in Malaysia. Looking forward to continuing our partnership as we face the evolving challenges of AMR together in the years ahead.”
Dr T. Jayabalan, Director, Health and Safety Advisory Centre, Penang, Malaysia
“I directed the Ensemble of the Wind to create ReAct Latin America’s Dancing with Bacteria, a play that highlights the role of bacteria and the responsible use of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is key for me as a musician and researcher because it recognizes the interdependence between planetary health, microbiomes and community, and I saw its impact when I presented the work and spoke at the 5th World Assembly for People’s Health in Mar del Plata.
Alexis Zapata, Artist, Director of the Ecuadorian musical orchestra El Ensamble del Viento, Ecuador
Your voice carries far, ReAct! Twenty years of a vital fight against antibiotic resistance, a fight where every ally counts. Our collaboration has been a powerful force, amplifying awareness messages within our communities. Seeing knowledge disseminated, practices evolving, and a growing awareness of this crucial issue—this is the concrete impact of our joint efforts. We have been proud to have walked alongside you, and we look forward to the next steps toward a future where infections are no longer an incurable threat. We have contributed to the signing of the “Act on AMR NOW” call in French-speaking Africa. Thank you, ReAct, for uniting us in this vital mission.
Ibrahima Kouma, Paraprofessional Veterinarian and AMR, One Health & Animal Welfare Advocate
In 2015, the Pan-African Treatment Access Movement started the Zimbabwe AMR program with financial and technical support from ReAct and its node in Africa. During the days when we were working on the situational analysis and national action plan, we had very little knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of AMR, and so we had a direct line to nodal director Mirfin and his team whenever we needed some support. We also got funding from ReAct to implement some activities during the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), and this helped us raise awareness on AMR to various sectors of the population. Without ReAct, we would not have scored the many successes in the program, and we owe a debt of gratitude to Mirfin and his team, as well as Dr Manangazira who was the Core Group chair, and Dr Zinyowera who was the AMR Program Coordinator. We tragically lost Dr Zinyowera along the way, and may her gallant soul rest in peace.”
Director, Pan-African Treatment Access Movement (PATAM)
“WaterAid has cooperated with ReAct for a long time. It’s always been with a good understanding for our work and ReAct has a strong support for water, sanitation and hygiene. ReAct is also a great source of knowledge for antibiotic resistance. Their policy work, both in Sweden and internationally, positions them as a strong and influential actor in the global response to antibiotic resistance.”
Andreas Berglöf, Policy Advisor, WaterAid Sweden
My collaboration with ReAct has been one of the most transformative experiences of my leadership journey. When ReAct Africa first connected with WAVE, we were a passionate youth-led initiative raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance in our communities. Their mentorship strengthened our journey and with their guidance we refined our strategies, expanded our reach, and learned how to translate scientific knowledge into meaningful community action.
ReAct Africa helped us grow from a local movement into a recognized voice for youth-driven public health advocacy, amplifying our impact across the globe.
AMR matters to me as it represents a silent but escalating threat to the future of healthcare, affecting every household.
As ReAct marks 20 years of leadership and global action, I celebrate not only their legacy but also the growth they’ve inspired in youth organisations like WAVE. Their unwavering support continues to motivate us to keep building a world where access to effective antibiotics is protected as a fundamental right for all.
Daphine Tusingwire, Uganda, Final year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Student, Makerere University
“For me, ReAct and ReAct Latin America represents the cooperative spirit needed for sustainability. Guided by the vision of Arturo Quizhpe and his team, it bridges science, art, and community to challenge the linear, anthropocentric thinking that fuels imbalance – even at the microbial level.
I thank ReAct for twenty years of building an inclusive system – beginning with respect for the smallest forms of life.”
“I have been delighted to collaborate with ReAct in recent years in sharing experiences and ideas about how we can address the drivers of AMR, particularly through the use of community engagement approaches. The interactions have mattered to me, as it has been so encouraging to meet a team with shared interests, priorities and working styles. Looking to the future, I hope very much that we will find the right opportunity to collaborate in the implementation of some of our ideas, and collectively contribute to global activity to address AMR.”
Rebecca King, Leeds University and CE4AMR
ReAct celebrates 20 years of action on antibiotic resistance!
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.
