Emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance are amongst today’s defining global health security challenges. Most emerging infectious diseases — more than 70% — originate from animals. Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) – the spread of disease from one animal to another – can decimate farmers’ flocks and herds. And the more we use antibiotics for animal agriculture, the more we struggle with antimicrobial resistance threatening our ability to treat infections in humans and animals.

By 2050, it’s estimated we will need to produce 60% more food to feed a world population of 9.3 billion. At the same time, without action, antimicrobial resistance is projected to cause an 11% loss in global livestock production by 2050 – causing a major hit to the food production and farmer livelihoods.

USAID understands that human health is inextricably linked with the health of animals and the environment. Healthy animals reduce the need for antibiotics. And less antibiotics in the food system is better for all of us. That’s why, through the USAID Global Health Security TRANSFORM activity, a private-sector-led consortium is researching and developing market-driven solutions that improve animal health so significantly that the risk of disease and zoonotic pathogens is considerably lower, animal production is considerably higher, and the use of antibiotics as a treatment for illness, to prevent disease, or to enhance performance is significantly reduced.

This unique initiative at the intersection of agriculture and human health represents a new and innovative way that USAID is working with the private sector. Together, the public and private sector have greater scale and effectiveness in tackling the complexity of today’s challenges and can spur sustainable impact. 

This is where you can find the latest lessons, best practices, research results and thought leadership pieces from our diverse team. 

TRANSFORM is a part of USAID’s Global Health Security efforts, which invest in "One Health" approaches that recognize that the future well-being of humans, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked. Our consortium of private and public sector organizations are working to create shared value – because strengthening the market drives the opportunity for all. Each of the following members contributes unique expertise and capabilities.

USAID’s Global Health Security Program invests in "One Health" approaches -- like TRANSFORM -- that recognize that the future well-being of humans, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked. It includes projects that strengthen the capacity of partner countries to understand and address the risks posed by zoonotic diseases that are spilling over from animals to humans and causing epidemics; strengthen national laboratory and surveillance systems; train the next generation of health workers in “One Health” capacities; improve risk communication to inform the public and health workers on infection prevention and control; address the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance; promote innovation in vaccine development; and conduct research into new and emerging viruses.