Damascus Hit With New Baby Formula Shortage Due to Earthquake
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Hassan Derwan, head of the Syrian Pharmacists Syndicate, said on Monday that the pharmacies’ stockpile of baby formula had been reduced by half due to an increase in distribution to earthquake-devastated areas.
He stated to pro-government Athr Press website that the amount of baby formula has been increased in affected areas at the expense of Damascus’ share.
Earlier, the Syrian government declared the governorates of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, and Idlib as ‘disaster zones’.
Derwan said, “Everything is measured. We do not give to some people and deny to others,” saying in the same breadth that, “there is not much in the first place, but the humanitarian situation has to be considered and supported.”
In Oct. 2022, a baby formula shortage came to light in government-held areas as Nestlé products disappeared off of market shelves; local off-brand versions followed.
Last month, the Syrian Internal Trade and Consumer Protection set the price of a 400g can of baby milk powder by Nestlé at 18.800 SYP ($2,64) and those of the Kikoz brand at 15.300 SYP ($2,15).
Derwan clarified that the central pharmacies affiliated with the Pharmacists Syndicate will give out baby formula based on family identification paper, “which means every infant will get a can of formula every four or five days,” in addition to providing it through several associations and syndicates.
The official expected baby formula to be available in pharmacies again in early March, especially since sanctions have been put on hold, “which will solve a big part of the issue. Sanctions were not imposed on medicine and baby formula, but obtaining the product and transferring money will be easier now.”