Bill Overview
Title: Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021
Description: This act sets out programs and otherwise directs the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to carry out activities to prevent and treat malnutrition globally. Specifically, USAID may leverage resources to address malnutrition through the Global Nutrition Coordination Plan (an interagency effort to strengthen the impact of U.S. investments in nutrition) and its role on the board of directors of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. USAID must also select countries based on specified malnutrition-related indicators for purposes of targeting malnutrition prevention and treatment programs and update the selection within five years. Additionally, USAID may establish the Nutrition Leadership Council to coordinate federal government activities to prevent and treat malnutrition; and target resources and nutrition interventions to the populations most susceptible to severe malnutrition and otherwise support efforts to prevent and treat malnutrition globally. The act also requires USAID to provide to Congress an implementation plan and annual reports concerning its programs for treating and preventing malnutrition. The act's provisions terminate seven years after its enactment.
Sponsors: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by malnutrition worldwide
Estimated Size: 5000
- The bill is focused on preventing and treating malnutrition, which is a prevalent issue globally, especially in low and middle-income countries.
- According to the World Health Organization, about 45% of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to malnutrition.
- As of 2020, UNICEF reported that over 149 million children under 5 are stunted, and 45 million are wasted globally.
- The target population is not just children, but also other vulnerable groups such as pregnant and lactating women, who are at high risk of malnutrition.
- The Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act is likely to impact regions where malnutrition rates are high, including sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, but potentially other areas with significant malnutrition indicators as selected by USAID.
Reasoning
- This policy is primarily targeted at addressing global malnutrition, with a focus on low and middle-income countries rather than domestic American populations.
- Potential impacts on U.S. citizens would be indirect, primarily through jobs related to policy implementation, international aid work, and potential economic opportunities for U.S. entities involved.
- The budget constraints mean that the policy would need to carefully allocate funds to target areas with the highest malnutrition rates effectively.
- Given that the American population directly affected by malnutrition is minimal, the focus would be on U.S. employees who might work on these initiatives, perhaps seeing changes in employment or wellbeing from job satisfaction.
- Some American consultants, aid workers, and related industries might benefit economically or professionally from increased funding and focus on global malnutrition.
- The wellbeing of U.S. citizens might improve if they value and perceive global health efforts positively, but this would generally be low impact.
Simulated Interviews
USAID Project Manager (Washington D.C.)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy will significantly bolster our global nutrition efforts.
- It allows for a more cohesive strategy among different U.S. agencies and international partners.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
International Development Consultant (New York City)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could increase job opportunities for consultants like me.
- I'm optimistic about the strategic approach outlined by the Global Nutrition Coordination Plan.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tech Industry Professional (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel proud to be part of a company contributing to these global efforts, even indirectly.
- There's minimal change to my personal life or immediate career path.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Agriculture Research Scientist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy allocation can enhance our research opportunities.
- There may be long-term benefits to scientific communities involved in development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Philanthropist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy aligns with my foundation's values, yielding potential collaborative efforts.
- Does not significantly impact me financially or personally, but enhances project reach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Nonprofit Program Coordinator (Austin, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There will be more educational materials and awareness opportunities.
- It's encouraging, but I don't anticipate a change in wellbeing directly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Nutritional Scientist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could boost research funding and collaboration opportunities internationally.
- A slight increase in job satisfaction and professional development potential.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
University Professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy provides material for academic courses and publications.
- I see no direct impact on my personal wellbeing or financial situation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Nutritionist (Miami, FL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the policy will make funding more accessible for global projects.
- My personal impact is low, but professional opportunities could increase.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Economic Analyst (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There will be interesting data and trends to analyze with this policy.
- Indirect impact on my professional work satisfaction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $505000000 (Low: $405000000, High: $605000000)
Year 3: $510050000 (Low: $410050000, High: $610050000)
Year 5: $520201000 (Low: $420201000, High: $620201000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Duration of the policy impacts, limited to seven years, affects long-term planning and sustainability of outcomes.
- Operational coordination among multiple U.S. and international agencies which can affect the efficiency of fund use.
- Exchange rate fluctuations and inflation in target regions may affect project costs and funding requirements.