Four cough syrups have been connected to the deaths of 66 children in The Gambia, the WHO warns.
The syrups “may have caused acute renal damage and 66 child deaths,” it stated.
Maiden Pharmaceuticals, an Indian business, failed to give safety guarantees, the WHO said.
The company hasn’t commented.
BBC has contacted Maiden Pharmaceuticals.
Indian officials have requested WHO for evidence linking the syrups to deaths.
Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup, and Magrip N Cold Syrup were affected.
The four goods were found in The Gambia but “may have been spread through informal markets to other countries or regions,” the WHO said.
Their use can cause significant harm or death, especially in minors.
In late July, medical authorities in The Gambia, a renowned tourist destination, noticed an upsurge in instances of acute renal damage among children under five.
The Gambia’s government has banned paracetamol syrups and recommended pills instead.
Laboratory analysis of the items “confirms they contain excessive quantities of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as pollutants,” the WHO said.
Toxic chemicals can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, mental state changes, and severe renal injury that can be fatal.
Last month, health officials in The Gambia stated hundreds of youngsters had perished.
Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO chief, said Wednesday in Geneva, “Their loss is heartbreaking.”
WHO claimed India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation showed the firm may have only provided contaminated drugs to The Gambia.
The WHO claimed, “global exposure” was likely since the company “may have utilized the same contaminated material in other goods” and exported them.