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President Adama Barrow of the Gambia stated on Friday that the recent rise in acute kidney injuries, which are probably related to the paracetamol syrup that killed dozens of children in recent months, is under control. Only two cases have been identified in the previous two weeks, he said. Authorities started an investigation last month after discovering in July that many kids had symptoms after ingesting a paracetamol syrup that was available locally for treating fevers.
In a speech to the country, Barrow stated that 66 children had died as a result of kidney damage in the previous three months, adding that investigations were still underway.
The tiny West African nation’s government has in the meantime directed importers and retailers to halt sales of all brands of paracetamol syrup. Additionally, the medication has been recalled from all pharmacies and homes.
The World Health Organization (WHO), which is also looking into the fatalities, stated on Wednesday that they could be related to tainted cough and cold medications made by an Indian pharmaceutical company, Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd. of New Delhi.
A laboratory investigation that revealed “unacceptable” levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which can be poisonous and cause acute kidney impairment, was the basis for the declaration.
On Thursday, Maiden said to Reuters that it had only learned of the fatalities and was looking for further information.
Barrow claimed that the WHO and the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were partners with the Gambia’s health ministry.
He said without providing further information that some of the syrup samples sent to Senegal, Ghana, France, and Switzerland for testing on Thursday had evidence of contamination.
According to Barrow, the health ministry is also assessing the quality controls for medicine imports and other relevant laws.
