The Gambian President Adama Barrow has assured the nation that his government will punish people found liable in the tragic deaths of 66 children in the country.

Barrow addressed the nation tonight after contaminated cough syrups from India killed more than 60 children nationwide. 

“I assure you all that government will leave no stone unturn to get to the bottom of this incidence,” Barrow said, adding “I urge you however to be vigilant enough to ensure that all medicines sold or use are safe and effective.”

“We owe it to the nation and to ourselves to protect the lives of every citizens and residents of The Gambia,” he added.

Meanwhile, the president continued: “In view of this unfortunate incident, I directed for immediate action that the ministry of health works with the attorney general chambers and review and update the medicines and its related Act, the Pharmacetical Act and all legislated framwork and regulations.”

The tragedy had made international headlines as the World Health Organisation issued a global health alert on four India-made cough syrups.

The WHO identified the syrups as Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup.

It warned that their use may result in serious injury or death, especially among children.

The WHO’s intervention came after medical authorities in The Gambia detected an increase in cases of acute kidney injury among children under the age of five in late July.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba