The coronavirus pandemic is not just a global health crisis, but also an economic one too. President Trump signed into law Friday afternoon a historic $2 trillion stimulus package as the American public and the US economy fight the devastating spread of Covid-19. The UN’s trade and development agency says the slowdown in the global economy caused by the coronavirus outbreak is likely to cost at least $1 trillion. A good percentage of it will be spent on combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. It can easily be a few trillions of dollars if the expenditure of all other affected 175 countries and regions are considered.
‘Health is wealth’ — is an old saying. Then the question is which aspect of health we should invest in getting the best Return of Investment (ROI)? We do not have to search hard for this. The answer lies with the malnutrition. Malnutrition, in all its forms, includes undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight), inadequate vitamins or minerals, overweight, obesity, and resulting in diet-related noncommunicable diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ‘The developmental, economic, social, and medical impacts of the global burden of malnutrition are severe and lasting. One in three humans is affected by malnutrition. Nutrition is essential to ensure that children reach their full potential. It is one of the most cost-effective public health approaches. Worldwide, malnutrition costs $3.5 trillion annually, as the loss of productivity. It is estimated that for every $1 invested in reducing malnutrition, the ROI is $16. If the world invests $226 billion to reduce malnutrition, we can gain the $3.5 trillion as of the new increased productivity-boosting the global GDP. This gained GDP can mitigate the spending to combat COVID-19.
But how to get the $226 Billion to invest in reducing malnutrition? What is the source, without opening new initiatives, new NGOs, or charities? There is a solution.
World military spending is approximately $2000 Billion. The USA tops the list with a $750 billion defense budget. So, if the US declares to reduce military spending by 10% and contributes it to investing in reducing malnutrition, first, then other countries can follow. Can President Trump refuse this, in the post-COVID-19 world? As the Commander in chief of the most significant military power, with the ability to kill billions, is struggling to stop a tiny enemy. The power of COVID-19 must have humbled him and all the powerful leaders with a vast arsenal. So, I am sure the proposal to make the world a healthier one with his first signature is a golden opportunity for him and the United States of America.
