4 cough syrups by Indian pharma firm linked to deaths of 66 children in Gambia: WHO

 WHO has said that four cough syrups by India's Maiden Pharmaceuticals are potentially linked to deaths in Gambia.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has recommended all countries detect and remove these products from circulation. (Photo: AP)

Sneha Mordani ,  IndiaToday, New Delhi, October 5, 2022: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a medical product alert for four contaminated medicines identified in Gambia that have been potentially linked with acute kidney injuries and 66 deaths among children.

According to WHO, the four medicines are cough and cold syrups produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited in India. The global health body said it is conducting further investigation with the company and regulatory authorities in India.

WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, at a media briefing, said, "The loss of these young lives is beyond heartbreaking for their families. The four medicines are cough and cold syrups produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited, in India. WHO is conducting further investigation with the company and regulatory authorities in India."

While the contaminated products have so far only been detected in Gambia, they may have been distributed to other countries. The WHO has recommended all countries detect and remove these products from circulation to prevent further harm to patients.