The World Health Organisation (WHO) has referred to as for “immediate and concerted action” after the deaths of greater than 300 kids have been linked to contaminated cough syrup final 12 months.
In 2022, greater than 300 kids in Gambia, Indonesia and Uzbekistan – who have been largely below the age of 5 – died of acute kidney damage, in deaths related to contaminated medicines, the WHO mentioned.
The over-the-counter medicines contained excessive ranges of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, the WHO warning added.
“These contaminants are toxic chemicals used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents that can be fatal even taken in small amounts, and should never be found in medicines,” the organisation mentioned.
The Philippines, Timor Leste, Senegal and Cambodia even have the medicines on sale and may very well be impacted, Reuters reported.
The WHO referred to as for motion throughout its 194 member states to forestall extra deaths.
“Since these are not isolated incidents, WHO calls on various key stakeholders engaged in the medical supply chain to take immediate and coordinated action,” its specialists mentioned on Monday.
The WHO has already despatched particular product alerts in October, November and January, requesting some “substandard products” are faraway from circulation to “prevent harm to patients”.
The alerts coated some cough syrups made by India’s Maiden Pharmaceuticals and Marion Biotech, in addition to related medicines made by 4 Indonesian producers – PT Yarindo Farmatama, PT Universal Pharmaceutical, PT Konimex and PT AFI Pharma – that have been bought domestically.
The firms concerned have both denied that their merchandise have been contaminated or declined to remark whereas investigations are ongoing.
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Medicinal syrup substances could also be linked to little one deaths in Indonesia
Uzbekistan hyperlinks 18 little one deaths to cough syrup from India
But the WHO reiterated its name for the merchandise to be faraway from circulation, in addition to urging international locations to make sure that any medicines on the market are authorised by competent authorities.
It additionally requested governments and regulators to assign sources to examine producers, improve market surveillance and take motion the place required.
While producers ought to solely purchase uncooked substances from certified suppliers, take a look at their merchandise extra completely and maintain information of the method, the WHO added.
The WHO additionally mentioned suppliers and distributors ought to verify for indicators of falsification and solely distribute or promote medicines authorised to be used.
Source: information.sky.com”
