Title: The tragedy of adulterated syrups in The Gambia: justice for the victims
Introduction:
In November 2021, The Gambia was rocked by an unprecedented tragedy. Seventy children have died after consuming adulterated syrups containing toxic substances. A year later, the trial of this case finally begins in the Banjul High Court. In this article, we will return to this tragedy, the accused and the expectations of the victims’ families.
A devastating investigation:
The investigation by the World Health Organization found that the syrups contained diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, substances that are highly toxic to children. These ingredients were present in unacceptable quantities, causing kidney failure and leading to the death of children. The families of the victims faced unimaginable pain, losing their little treasures to simple cough syrups.
The accused in the dock:
Among the accused are the Gambian Ministry of Health, the medical control agency and the Indian laboratory Maiden Pharmaceuticals, responsible for manufacturing the syrups. The absence of these defendants during the last hearing in October was seen as a lack of respect towards the victims’ families. However, they remain determined to achieve justice and prevent such a tragedy from happening again in the future.
The expectations of the victims’ families:
Parents grouped within the AKI association are looking for answers and demanding harsh sentences for those responsible for this disaster. For them, it is essential that these defendants are held accountable for their actions and that justice is served. Beyond seeking financial redress, their greatest wish is to ensure that such negligence never happens again. They also want stricter measures to be taken to ensure the safety of imported medicines and avoid any other similar incidents.
Conclusion:
The trial of the adulterated syrups case in Gambia is a crucial step for the families of the victims. They hope that justice will be served and that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. This tragedy highlighted the need to strengthen quality controls on medicines and ensure the safety of imported products. Hopefully this case will serve as a reminder to all countries to review their regulations and protect the health of their citizens.