ReAct - Action on Antibiotic Resistance

27/02/2026

Reflections from the EU JAMRAI2 Annual Meeting

More than 35,000 people die each year in the EU/EEA as a result of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, highlighting a growing threat that reflects global trends.

In this context, the EU-JAMRAI held a meeting at the end of January, bringing together representatives from EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, Ukraine, and more than 130 partner organizations worldwide.

In the article you find some reflections from Anna Karin Sjöblom, Director ReAct Europe who participated in the meeting days. 👇

Several recent reports point to a deteriorating situation in Europe, with one of the strongest warning signs being the rise in infections caused by bacteria resistant to carbapenems, a last resort class of antibiotics. Resistant infections also contribute to an estimated 2.5 million additional hospi...

26/02/2026

Be part of the ReAct Africa AMR Conference

ReAct is a global network with nodes in 4 continents. Throughout the year we will host, engage and join various meetings, conferences and events for stronger action on antibiotic resistance.

⭐ One of our own conferences is the ReAct Africa AMR Conference! ⭐
Africa

The conference brings together Africa’s researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates working to address antibiotic resistance, one of the most urgent global health challenges of our time.

Here’s how you can participate:

1. Register to attend (Opening soon)
• Early Bird: $160 (until April 16, 2026)
• Standard: $200
• Virtual participation: $40

2. Submit an abstract
Share your research, innovations, and implementation experiences.
• All abstracts undergo scientific review
• Outstanding submissions may receive travel grants and poster presentation opportunities

• Additional high-quality abstracts may be accepted for poster presentation on a self-sponsored basis

Submit Abstract: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYHE6e29elXHDY091Hmmz6DeG-yw_zz0DaVswl0L_vnoaNpA/viewform

Shortly, registration will be possible via www.reactgroup.org and social media.

19/02/2026

A small step that makes a big difference in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Earlier this month, the ReAct Asia Pacific team met with the Vice Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. We had the opportunity to present the 2025 ReAct Asia Pacific Conference Report and discuss key priorities for 2026 – including the upcoming Intergovernmental Meeting.

These conversations are important. Strong partnerships and continued dialogue across the Asia Pacific region are essential if we are to tackle one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time.

We’re grateful for the collaboration and look forward to building on this momentum together in the year ahead. 🌏

16/02/2026

End 2025, ReAct Latin America celebrated the ReAct network’s 20th anniversary with the launch of a regional anthology - showcasing nearly two decades of participatory action on antibiotic resistance in the region.

Developed with partners across social and academic sectors, the publication shares tools, lessons, and approaches to support stronger policies and practices.

The launch brought together collaborators from across the region to celebrate this collective milestone. ⭐ 👏 ReAct Latinoamérica

Learn more and download the commemorative anthology (in Spanish) 👉 https://www.reactgroup.org/news-and-views/news-and-opinions/year-2026/a-regional-anthology-20-years-of-action-on-antibiotic-resistance/

11/02/2026

Did you know the ReAct Toolbox has a dedicated page for young people who want to take action on antibiotic resistance?

Find tools, ideas, and inspiration to raise awareness, advocate for change, and get involved for stronger action on antibiotic resistance.

🧰 Youth Engagement page:
https://www.reactgroup.org/toolbox/raise-awareness/youth-engagement-amr/

🎥 Youth workshop:
https://youtu.be/BgNRD3Kdv6s?si=nmVYGWAZqjfoav_3

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat - and it will take all generations working together to address it.

📣 Share with your network and help build a future where antibiotics work for everyone.

09/02/2026

Last week marked

💊 An often-overlooked but critical threat to cancer care: antibiotic resistance.

While global efforts rightly focus on expanding access to early diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care, the silent crisis of antibiotic resistance is undermining the very foundation of modern oncology.

For millions of cancer patients worldwide - especially those undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, or stem cell transplants - effective antibiotics are not just supportive care - they are lifesaving.

Read full article to learn more including ways forward 👉
https://www.reactgroup.org/news-and-views/news-and-opinions/year-2026/protecting-cancer-care-in-the-age-of-antibiotic-resistance/

05/02/2026

We’ve made incredible progress against cancer. Millions of lives are saved every year thanks to modern treatment.

But there’s a quieter challenge behind the scenes: antibiotic resistance.

Cancer patients rely on effective antibiotics to prevent and treat infections during chemotherapy, surgery, and transplants. When antibiotics stop working, care becomes riskier and outcomes can suffer.

Protecting antibiotics helps protect cancer patients - today and in the future.

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

For millions of cancer patients, modern medicine saves lives
- but protecting cancer care has never been more urgent.

Cancer and its treatments weaken immunity - making infections a constant threat.

Now, antibiotic‑resistant bacteria are turning once‑treatable infections dangerous - especially during chemotherapy, surgery, and transplants.

Without effective antibiotics:

- treatments slow
- surgeries become riskier and
- survival falls.

Protecting cancer care requires:

✅ stronger prevention
✅ responsible antibiotic use
✅ better diagnostics
✅ innovation and
✅ coordinated action across care, surveillance and policy

Protecting antibiotics means protecting cancer patients.
Together, we can keep cancer care a lifeline.

Cancerfonden Kreftforeningen

03/02/2026

In December 2025, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi used Mann Ki Baat to speak directly to millions about a growing public health threat: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Drawing on evidence from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), he warned against “mindless” use of antibiotics and stressed the importance of taking these medicines only on a doctor’s advice.

By raising AMR on a trusted, conversational platform, the issue moved beyond policy and laboratory discussions and into public awareness - reframing antibiotic stewardship as a shared personal and societal responsibility.

This article explores how high-level leadership has shaped India’s AMR response, and the challenges that remain in turning awareness into sustained action. 👉
https://www.reactgroup.org/news-and-views/news-and-opinions/year-2026/indias-amr-response-high-level-leadership-and-implementation-challenges/

29/01/2026

ReAct is happy to have participated at the EU-JAMRAI Annual Meeting in Vienna 🇦🇹 “Building a One Health world to reduce Antimicrobial Resistance”

ReAct Europe Director Anna Karin Sjöblom delivered a keynote. Her talk, “Beyond plans and promises, how to make action on antibiotic resistance really happen?”, shared examples from ReAct’s global work and highlighted what it takes to move from science to policy to action: participatory, bottom-up approaches, re-contextualization, capacity building, strong infrastructure, and sustained political will.

It’s inspiring to see how EU-JAMRAI focuses on responsibility and implementation at country level, bringing together multidisciplinary teams and practical approaches. With knowledge, tools, and funding in place, Europe can and should - reverse the rising mortality from resistant bacteria and protect antibiotic effectiveness for future generations.

While EU-JAMRAI is key for joint action in Europe, the region must also lead by example, contribute to the global efforts and engage with countries where the AMR burden is high but resources are very limited.

ReAct is ready to join forces and support this vital work.