The World Health Organization have raise concerns over four cough syrups which includes; Promethazine Oral Solution, Magrip N Cold Syrup, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup and Makoff Baby Cough Syrup.
The cough syrups which have been linked to dozens of children’s death in Gambia, according to their health officials was manufactured by an India Pharmaceutical company called “Maiden Pharmaceutical “. The syrups have been smuggled into the country and across neighbouring countries through informal markets.
Though the firm has not yet respond to the allegation.
According to WHO ” the laboratory analysis of samples of the products confirms that they contain unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants.”
The effects of the toxic apart from other health complications can lead to acute kidney injury and subsequent death.
Decrying the death of children in Gambia, WHO Chief Tedros Ghebreyesus said: The loss of these young lives is beyond heart-breaking for families.’
Following the prevalent death rate among children in Gambia as a result of the syrups, the country government has suspended the use of syrups. The Gambia health services director, Mustapha Bittay informed that the death rate have reduced since the ban.
Follow us on social media
