The number of child deaths from acute kidney injury, thought to be linked to Indian-made cough syrups, have risen to 70. 

The Gambia government gave the update following an emergency cabinet meeting convened on Thursday by President Adama Barrow to discuss the crisis.

Last week, the minister of health Dr Amadou Lamin Samateh told reporters that at least 81 children were infected with the acute kidney injury. 

And some of the affected children were transported to Senegal for specialist treatment.

The syrups were found to be made by India-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which has since had one of its factories shut down as India health authorities launched an investigation. 

The Gambia government is also investigating the deaths and this week set up a new commission of inquiry to investigate the incident.