Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021
Oct 19, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 2252
Became law: Oct 19, 2022
Oct 19, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 2252
Became law: Oct 19, 2022
Summary
Creates a coordinated plan for U.S. agencies to fight global malnutrition, focusing on helping the most at-risk people like young children and mothers.
What problem does this solve?
Different U.S. government efforts to fight global hunger were not always working together, leading to wasted resources. This law requires agencies to coordinate their programs to make them more effective at saving lives.
What does this law do?
Authorizes a coordinated effort to fight global malnutrition
Allows the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to lead and coordinate efforts across federal agencies to prevent and treat malnutrition worldwide.
Selects priority countries for targeted aid
Requires the government to choose specific countries with high rates of malnutrition to receive focused support. The list of countries must be updated at least every five years.
Establishes a Nutrition Leadership Council
Creates a council within USAID to coordinate the agency's different departments and ensure that nutrition programs work together effectively.
Focuses aid on the most vulnerable people
Directs resources and nutrition programs to support those most at risk of severe malnutrition, including children under five and pregnant or nursing women.
Requires an implementation plan and annual reports
Mandates that USAID create a detailed plan with clear goals and report to Congress each year on the progress made in fighting global malnutrition.
Who does this affect?
- Children under age 5 in developing countries
- Pregnant and lactating women in developing countries
- Impoverished and vulnerable communities worldwide
What is the real world impact?
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Improves humanitarian aid effectiveness
Coordinates various U.S. government programs to ensure that efforts to fight global malnutrition are more efficient and based on proven methods. This helps save more lives with the same amount of resources.
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Promotes global stability
Reduces malnutrition in vulnerable countries, which can lead to healthier populations and more stable societies. This aligns with U.S. foreign policy goals by addressing root causes of instability.
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Increases accountability for foreign spending
Requires detailed plans and annual reports to Congress on the progress of nutrition programs. This creates more oversight and ensures taxpayer money is being used effectively to achieve specific goals.
When does this start?
This law's requirements took effect on October 19, 2022, and it includes several deadlines for future actions.
Implementation plan submission
Within 260 days of the law's enactment, an implementation plan with goals and metrics must be submitted to Congress.
Annual progress reports
The first report to Congress on the progress of these programs is due one year after enactment, with reports continuing annually for five years.
Update of priority countries
The list of priority countries receiving targeted aid must be updated no later than five years after the law is enacted.