Nigeria warns against syrups linked to Gambia deaths

Nigeria has issued a warning to its residents about the cough syrups that have been connected to dozens of child fatalities in The Gambia.

It is believed that the four syrups produced by the Indian pharmaceutical business Maiden Pharmaceuticals were tainted. The pediatric medications prompted a global alert from the World Health Organization.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (Nafdac) of Nigeria has now urged residents of the most populous nation in Africa to stay away from the aforementioned medications.

Anyone who has used the "substandard items" or experienced any negative reactions, the agency said in a statement, should seek immediate medical attention and report to the relevant health authorities.

It claims that symptoms of the poisonous compounds purportedly included in the cough syrups include headache, acute renal injury, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and an inability to pass urine.

However, it has not been stated whether it has been found that syrups are in use in the nation.

These include Promethazine Oral Solution, Magrip N Cold Syrup, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, and Makoff Baby Cough Syrup.

The WHO claimed that Maiden Pharmaceuticals had not given assurances regarding their safety.

Maiden expressed its sorrow and sadness over the event in a statement to the ANI news agency.

The business said that it adhered to Indian health protocols and that it was helping the investigation.

The Gambia has already begun removing the medications from the market. The cough syrups there have been blamed for at least 69 child fatalities.

The WHO has voiced concern that other nations may have received cough syrups in addition to the Gambia.