Egypt: Government Reforms its Infant Milk Formula Program
Starting on August 1, beneficiaries without government-issued smart cards will not be able to purchase fully subsidized infant milk formula. The new measure is an attempt to stop leakages in the subsidy system, as well as ensuring that it reaches the intended end-users. The government is also studying the possibility of setting price controls for non-subsidized infant powdered milk. Prices have increased by an average of 30-40 percent during the last couple of months. To address the high prices, the government, through a direct purchase, procured U.S. powdered milk formula that will be available by November.
