The Nigerian Health Commissioners’ Forum (NHCF) has advised Nigerians against the use of some syrups which have led to the death of over 66 children in Gambia, West Africa.
The Chairperson of the Forum and Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, gave the advise in a press statement in Ado-Ekiti.
According to Dr Filani, the four contaminated drugs include: Promethazine Oral Solution BP, Kofexmalin- Baby Cough syrup, MaKOFF Baby and MaGrip n Cold Syrup.
The Health Commissioners’ Chairperson mentioned that the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedross Ghebreyasus, noted that these syrups contain two toxic products usually used as a solvent and an anti-freeze agent which have been confirmed to cause acute kidney injuries among children. The WHO added that the toxic products are colourless and almost odourless, which makes it difficult to detect. The WHO directed the removal of these products from circulation to prevent further harm.
Dr Filani mentioned he discussed with the DG NAFDAC, who informed him the products are not registered in Nigeria. However, he maintained it is imperative that Nigerians remain on the lookout for these drugs.
The Chairperson said that the Forum would continue to work with NAFDAC and other relevant authorities to ensure that such products, if found in country, are taken off the shelf to ensure safety of all Nigerians.
The Health Commissioners’ Forum charges parents whose children have symptoms such as diarrhoea and headache to seek the advice of health professionals.
He assures that the Forum is committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of Nigerians and urged everyone to take personal responsibility of completely removing such injurious products out of circulation if found either from their Pharmaceutical and Patent Medicine Stores or their various homes in Nigeria.
