Multiple countries report cough syrup causes child deaths, WHO speaks out! _Xinmin International_Xinmin.com

In response to recent reports of children dying from taking certain over-the-counter cough syrups in many countries, the World Health Organization urgently called on the 23rd that all parties should “take immediate and coordinated action” to prevent, detect, and respond to substandard drugs and counterfeit cough syrups. medicines and other medical events.

In a statement on the same day, WHO said that in the past 4 months, many countries have reported deaths related to children taking over-the-counter cough syrup, most of which occurred in children under 5 years old. The above-mentioned cases have occurred in at least 7 countries, of which Gambia, Indonesia and Uzbekistan have reported more than 300 deaths.

The statement said that it has been confirmed or suspected that these cough syrups are contaminated with high concentrations of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which are toxic chemicals used as industrial solvents and antifreeze. Even small amounts can be fatal. should appear in medicines. So far, the group has identified six drugmakers in India and Indonesia as being involved.

These incidents are not isolated, WHO said, and called for immediate and coordinated action against contaminated medicines by all key stakeholders involved in the medical supply chain.

The WHO requires countries to remove contaminated drugs from the market once they find contaminated drugs. At the same time, countries strengthen supervision of relevant supply chains from countries and regions that may be affected. Once substandard products are found, they should immediately notify the WHO and report to the Public awareness about the dangers and toxic side effects of substandard medicines.

For pharmaceutical manufacturers, WHO requires that only pharmaceutical-grade excipients be purchased from qualified suppliers, and that they be fully tested upon receipt and before manufacture of finished medicines. In addition, all suppliers and distributors of medical products must always check their medicines and health products for signs of falsification.

Original title: Multi-country report cough syrup causes child deaths, WHO raises alarm to clean up problematic drugs