The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today that Shawn K. Baker is joining the Agency as its first-ever Chief Nutritionist. In this new position, Mr. Baker will guide USAID's efforts and engagement with partners to address malnutrition in developing countries.

Malnutrition is a complex challenge around the globe that hits the most-vulnerable the hardest. Nearly half of all deaths of young children globally can trace their causes back to poor nutrition. USAID helps governments, civil society, and the private sector address the problem holistically through a variety of interventions, including in health, food security, and responding to emergencies.

Mr. Baker comes to USAID from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he was the first Director of Nutrition. He has nearly four decades of experience in public health, nutrition, and food security.