Title: Iran Expands Social Welfare Initiatives with Enhanced E-Voucher System and Nutritional Support
Tehran – In a significant step to bolster its social safety net, the Iranian government has announced the expansion of its targeted support programs, focusing on child nutrition and a new, streamlined electronic voucher system for essential goods.
Combating Child Malnutrition: A National Priority
Ms. Zahra Ghayoumi, Director General of the Support and Empowerment Office at the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, has detailed the progress of the “Elimination of Malnutrition for Children 5 to 59 Months” program. This initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Plan and Budget Organization, ensures all children are monitored from birth through health cards and continuous growth tracking.
“Data on children’s height and body mass index is recorded in urban and rural health centers,” Ghayoumi stated. “This information is then sent to our ministry for analysis, allowing us to extend support specifically to children from the first to seventh income deciles, with a primary focus on the most vulnerable in deciles one to five.”
The program, which began in the Iranian year 1402 (2023), has shown tangible results. In its first year, 136,000 children from 131,000 families received food packages containing 16 items approved by the Ministry of Health. The financial support has seen consistent increases, reflecting the government’s commitment to the scheme.
Increased Financial Allocations and E-Voucher Access
Highlighting the program’s evolution, Ghayoumi confirmed that for the current year (1404/2025), the program’s coverage is fully realized. The value of the food basket has been raised by 20%, reaching 1.3 million Tomans.
“Identified households, introduced by the Ministry of Health, can now, from the beginning of the month of Azar, go to contracted stores and purchase food items using their electronic vouchers (e-vouchers),” she announced. This digital system enhances efficiency and ensures that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries directly.
New Support Scheme for Mothers and Infants
In a related development, Ghayoumi introduced the “Yasna” plan, a new support scheme set to launch in Azar. This program is specifically designed for pregnant women, mothers with children under two years of age, and infants, who will be able to benefit from the predefined support measures.
Government Seeks Public Consultation on New Livelihood Support Method
Echoing the theme of citizen-centric policy, Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, Ahmad Meydari, announced that the methodology for a new phase of livelihood support is being finalized with direct public input.
“The new method for the upcoming period has not been finalized yet,” Minister Meydari said. “The government, after compiling the opinions of the people and experts, will select one of two proposed methods and implement it in Azar.”
The Minister emphasized a collaborative approach, stating, “What we request from the people and respected experts is to provide their opinions on the new phase of livelihood support so that we can operationalize this stage as quickly as possible, following extensive meetings between the government and the parliament.”
He clarified that the proposed approach for the new period is different, and the public will be presented with a choice between two methods. The option that receives greater public acceptance will be the one implemented. The Minister expressed hope that with the completion of the opinion-gathering process, the new method will be finalized promptly for implementation.
