Cough syrups by Indian firm potentially tied to 66 deaths in Gambia: WHO

WHO issued a medical product alert for the four syrups and said it was conducting further investigation with New Delhi-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals and regulatory authorities in India

The World Health Organization on Wednesday issued an alert for four "contaminated" India-made medicines, chiefly for paediatric use, identified in the west African nation of The Gambia and found to contain chemicals that are toxic and potentially fatal after 66 child deaths.

"WHO has today issued a medical product alert for four contaminated medicines identified in #Gambia that have been potentially linked with acute kidney injuries and 66 deaths among children. The loss of these young lives is beyond heartbreaking for their families," the WHO said in a series of tweets, citing its Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"The four