On 5th October 2022, The World Health Organisation issued an alert against 4 India-made cough and cold syrups that may have led to the death of 66 Children in the Gambia. The WHO stated that the cause of deaths in children might have been caused by the ‘unregulated’ chemicals present in the cough syrups. Medical officers in the Gambia, flagged the locally-sold syrup in July after children began falling ill with kidney problems a couple of days after taking them. The WHO director said that the UN health body is investigating further the issue with the company and regulatory authorities in India. According to reports, four products named Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup contain "unacceptable" amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans. When consumed these can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and kidney injury and may result in death. The WHO has recommended that all countries detect and remove these products from circulation. Taking recent events into consideration, the Indian government has also begun a probe into the company.
