The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global health alert after identifying three cough syrup formulations made in India that are allegedly linked to the deaths of several children in Africa and Southeast Asia.
According to the WHO’s report, these syrups — distributed under different brand names — contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG), both industrial-grade chemicals that can cause kidney failure and death if consumed.
“No child should die because of preventable contamination in medicine,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The contaminated syrups were reportedly manufactured by small pharmaceutical firms operating in India. WHO has called on governments to intensify post-market surveillance and recall suspect batches immediately.
India’s Response:
The Indian government has ordered a detailed investigation and temporarily halted exports from the implicated companies. The Health Ministry emphasized that India’s pharmaceutical sector adheres to global safety standards and that violators will face severe penalties.
This is not the first time Indian-made syrups have come under scrutiny — similar incidents in Gambia and Uzbekistan in 2023 led to over 70 child fatalities, prompting global outrage.
Public Health Impact:
Experts warn that weak regulatory oversight in smaller pharma units can lead to repeated tragedies. Global agencies have called for a centralized global drug quality registry to prevent such occurrences.
