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Washington, DC – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), and Reps. Young Kim (R-CA) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) introduced the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021. This bill will authorize USAID to advance targeted interventions to prevent and treat malnutrition around the world, ensure a continued focus on multi-sectoral nutrition programs, and require robust monitoring of these interventions to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars.

“As the world continues to face challenges as a result of COVID-19, we must do everything we can to advance life-saving nutrition programs and combat rising malnutrition. Every parent wants to be able to put food on the table, nourish their families, and provide for themselves. Support for low cost, effective nutrition interventions mean an investment in the health, development and productivity of the next generation of children around the world.” said Lead Republican McCaul.

“Globally, malnutrition is one of the toughest, most devastating challenges facing the world, with nearly 30 percent of all children under five suffering from its impacts,” said Chairman Meeks. “This legislation gives USAID the tools it needs to deploy targeted, evidence-based solutions to treat and prevent malnutrition around the world and improve the futures of at risk children and their families.”

“Over 1 in every 5 children around the world suffers from malnutrition, which endangers livelihoods and can cost the global economy up to $3.5 trillion each year,” said Congresswoman Young Kim. “As a mother of four, it’s heartbreaking to see children suffer. That’s why I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort with Ranking Member McCaul, Chairman Meeks and Rep. Houlahan to help USAID better target evidence-based nutrition interventions to ensure our resources go to communities who need them most and are used effectively. I’ll continue to do all I can on the Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights Subcommittee to support children in need.” 

“Investing in global nutrition translates to lives saved, economic gains and a more stable civil society,” said Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan. “For every $1 we invest in nutrition, we see $35 in economic returns. But even more importantly, our strategic support for USAID will help save millions of lives. In 2019 alone, the organization reached 27.2 million children, providing lifesaving nutrition interventions. That’s why I couldn’t be prouder to introduce our bipartisan Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act. I’m grateful to Chairman Meeks, Ranking Member McCaul and Representative Young Kim for their leadership on this critical issue as we navigate our way out of this pandemic both domestically and globally.”

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