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{
    "id": 1419165,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1419165/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 217,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "The attention of the Standing Committee on Health has been drawn to an alarming press report on the presence of toxic Benylin paediatric cough syrup in the Kenya market. Benylin cough syrup is widely used to alleviate cough, chest congestion, hay fever and allergic reactions in children between the ages of 2 and 12 years old. On 11th April, 2024, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board issued a public alert and announced the recall of Benylin Paediatric 100 ml Cough Syrup, Batch No.329304. The syrup was manufactured by Johnson & Johnson in South Africa. The recall was prompted by an announcement from Nigeria's National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, which revealed unacceptable high levels of diethylene-glycol and ethylene- glycol in the product upon analysis. Both substances are associated with acute toxicity and have been linked to the deaths of numerous children in Gambia, Uzbekistan and Cameroon since 2022. Aside from deaths, ingestion of high levels of this substance can lead to severe side effects, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, altered mental states and acute kidney injury. It is indeed concerning that the Pharmacy and Poisons Board did not detect the issue with the Benylin cough syrup sooner, especially considering its impending expiration in April, 2024. The lack of clarity regarding the syrup's presence in the market, the number of affected children, the extent of the recall and the potential existence of similar harmful products raises significant concerns about public safety and regulatory oversight. Urgent action is needed to ensure a thorough investigation into the extent of the issue, achieve a comprehensive recall of the affected product and prevent the circulation of similar harmful substances in the market. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is a fundamental responsibility of any society. I want to assure this House that my committee is fully aware of the gravity of this matter and will be actively engaging with the Ministry of Health and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to gather comprehensive information and establish the facts surrounding the toxic cough syrup issue. We are further committed to understanding the actions taken by the government to enhance pharmacovigilance and post-marketing surveillance in the country. I thank you."
}