The Gambia’s ministry of health in partnership with Red Cross Society today (6 October) commenced recalling contaminated paracetamol syrup suspected of infecting children with acute kidney disease (AKI). 

“The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Gambia Red Cross Society is recalling all syrups link to the AKI disease affecting children. 

“The exercise will commence today. The  teams are station in all Red Cross branches across the country,” a statement from the ministry said.

Dozen of children have died from kidney disease in the country from contaminated paracetamol syrup. 

By early August, 28 children had died from kidney disease, according to health ministry figures. 

Gambiana has been told that samples of the syrup has been taken to Senegal for test, as the country does not have the laboratory equipment to conduct its testing.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba