Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Jan 24: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for `immediate and concerted action’ against child deaths from contaminated medicines. The United Nations health agency has also issued three global medical alerts.
In a statement on Monday, the WHO said that over 300 children, mostly under the age of five, had died of acute kidney injury in Gambia, Indonesia and Uzbekistan. The deaths were linked to contaminated medicines.
The counter cough syrups were high in diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. When consumed, diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol can prove deadly to humans.
“These contaminants are toxic chemicals used as industrial solvents and antifreeze, even small amounts can be fatal and should not be included in medicines,” said WHO.
In the past four months, countries have reported multiple cases of over-the-counter cough syrups in children, calling for action across its 194 member states to prevent further deaths.
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“Since these are not isolated incidents, WHO calls on various key stakeholders engaged in the medical supply chain to take immediate and coordinated action,” the WHO added.
Earlier in January, the WHO had issued an alert warning against the use of two Indian cough syrups blamed for the deaths of at least 20 children in Uzbekistan. The agency said the products, which were manufactured by Marion Biotech, were ‘inferior’.
It also said that the company had failed to provide guarantees about their safety and quality.
The Indian Ministry of Health subsequently suspended the company’s production and Uzbekistan banned the import and sale of Doc-1 Max.
