SciDev.Net

APUA is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote appropriate antimicrobial use worldwide. It does so through antimicrobial resistance research, education, capacity building and advocacy at the global (it has 60 chapters in various countries) and grassroots levels. The website’s information is pitched both at patients and healthcare practitioners and researchers. It features upcoming meetings and conferences, and a detailed list of publications.

The Center engages in advocacy on public issues such as nutrition, food safety and health, of which antibiotic resistance is a part. The site tackles the overuse of antibiotics in livestock, including animals' treatment with antibiotics also used by humans.

It also has information directed at the general public — such as advice on when antibiotics are necessary, which common illnesses are caused by bacteria and which by viruses; and also tells people they shouldn’t demand antibiotics from their doctor. 

The Global Forum for Health Research provides evidence, tools and discussion forums for decision-makers in research funding and policy to improve the health of the poor. Although it covers issues for both infectious and non-communicable diseases, the agency recognises that mental health problems are severely neglected in developing countries. As well as links to various publications and reports, the website also hosts RealHealthNews, which aims to share news on research and interventions that can improve the health of those in developing countries.

This organisation is a coalition of health, environmental, consumer, sustainable agriculture and other advocacy groups, working to end antibiotic misuse. The website has several background articles on antibiotic resistance, as well as a series of factsheets on how resistance can be particularly dangerous to vulnerable populations, such as those affected by HIV/AIDS or diabetes.

It has a useful archive of documents and reports on a variety of issues such as gene transfer, food contamination and animal husbandry.

ReAct (Action on Antibiotic Resistance) is a coalition that links a range of individuals, organisations and networks around the world taking concerted action to respond to antibiotic resistance. The organisation campaigns for the appropriate use of antibiotics, and for improved hygiene in hospitals to ensure better infection control.

The organisation produces regular publications, often aimed at policymakers, that analyse the different aspects of antibiotic resistance. [ReAct funds this Spotlight]

This non-profit alliance of more than 200,000 citizens and scientists uses scientific evidence to lobby governments, corporations and consumers to act responsibly for the benefit of society. They often commission their own research into topics such as global warming or GM crops. Their interest in antibiotic resistance focuses on reducing the use of antibiotics in food animals. They advocate better treatment of animals — by using grass-fed systems, for example — to lower the need for drugs. The union encourages the public to get involved by writing to political representatives and signing petitions. The website also has a news section and links to related networks.