BANJUL: Gambia’s hea­lth ministry has asked hospitals to stop using syrup paracetamol after at least 28 children died of kidney failure.

“We have clinical evidence to suspect syrup paracetamol may be one of the culprits,” Mustapha Bittaye, the director of health services, said on Friday.

“We are advising our staff on the medicines to give while awaiting the conclusion of the investigation”, the director added.

In a letter sent to the country’s regional health directors, hospital chief executives, and clinics this week, Bittaye cited E. coli as another possible cause, and urged officials to encourage hand washing in their institutions, as well as to substitute paracetamol tablets for syrup.

At least 28 children have died of acute renal failure after “a sudden (rise) in cases” among children aged five months to four years old, the ministry said in an August 8 report, with out specifying when they died. An investigation was opened on July 19, it said.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.