United Nations health agency warns against the use of cough syrups made by India's Marion Biotech that were linked to child deaths in Uzbekistan.
Indian pharmaceutical company Marion Biotech suspended production after a cough syrup it produced was linked to the death of 19 children in Uzbekistan and is awaiting reports following an inspection.
A batch of syrups, which contained the toxic substance ethylene glycol, was given to children at home without a doctor's prescription, either by their parents or on the advice of pharmacists.
UN's WHO and health authorities in The Gambia said the deaths of at least 70 children from acute kidney injuries could be linked to contaminated syrup manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Dozens of children in the west African country have died after taking a few sips of cough syrups, which contained high quantities of poisonous diethylene glycol.
Police seize tens of thousands of contaminated syrup bottles that were imported into the West African country via a US-based firm, officials say, following an outcry over deaths of some 69 children.
The ban on illicit sale of codeine comes over fears of addiction among young people.
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