Juan Carlos López: One of the challenges we face is that antibiotic resistance is not visible - as it is not a disease

2021-12-17

In ReAct's series of celebrating ReAct 15 years we decided to talk to our staff across the globe. Juan Carlos López works as a Regional Communication Coordinator at ReAct Latin America node which is hosted by the Child to Child Foundation in Cuenca, Equador. He has been working for ReAct the last four years and says he wanted to work in science communication since he was a university student.

What engages you the most in your work at ReAct?

– Through my work to help address and contain drug-resistant infections, I can contribute to achieving the vision of health as a Human Right, this both from a broad vision and in a small and significant way.

– As a university student I always wanted to work in science communication and its dissemination, without losing the focus on rights, now I am doing this. My wish is being fulfilled in ReAct.

What have you learned working for ReAct?

– Since I got involved with ReAct, I have been able to learn about antibiotic resistance. Before starting here, I had not even imagined the danger it poses to the health of humanity and the planet. I have also learned how life is woven from microorganisms and our interrelationships with ecosystems.

– Working in ReAct has given me the opportunity to get to know the realities of the people in the community, their feelings and thoughts and their vision of health. This in order to help improve the quality of life – especially for children, the most vulnerable and those who need us the most.

– It has also allowed me to learn about collaboration and to overcome barriers – starting with language.

What role do you think ReAct will play the next 15 years?

– As ReAct is one of the few networks working with soul focus on antibiotic resistance and we have shown leadership, solvency and commitment – makes our presence and role important.

– One of the challenges we face is that antibiotic resistance is not visible, as it is not a disease – like cancer or HIV – it is a silent pandemic that is growing. Making the problem visible and to raise awareness is a big challenge – even more so in the context of a pandemic.

– We must also focus our efforts to promote a global movement, and at the same time ensure that the community and its demands are incorporated into the large spaces and platforms of global governance. These are undoubtedly challenges that we must face.