Binta, a mother of two from Banjul, reflects on the acute kidney injury crisis of 2022 with mixed emotions. Her family was fortunate, but her friend lost a child due to tainted cough syrup.
“It was a terrifying time,” Binta recalls. “We didn’t know which medicines were safe.”
In July 2022, The Gambia’s Ministry of Health raised alarms about a surge in acute kidney injury cases among children. The condition, marked by a sudden decline in kidney function, can be deadly without immediate treatment. By September, 78 cases were reported, with 66 children losing their lives—a devastating 85% mortality rate.
Responding swiftly, the government, supported by global health partners, recalled potentially contaminated syrups and launched an aggressive door-to-door campaign. Citizens were urged to stop using all paracetamol and promethazine syrups, switching to pills instead. Medicines were sent abroad for testing, confirming contamination.
Strengthening Regulation for a Safer Future
The crisis highlighted the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework to ensure the safety of medicines. The Medicines Control Agency, with technical support and training from health organizations, transformed its processes to ensure stricter oversight of medical imports.
During and after the crisis, partnerships with international health experts helped The Gambia strengthen its regulatory systems. Updated legislation now enables more effective monitoring and safer practices.
“The collaboration has been transformative,” said Tijan Jallow, Director of Operations at the Medicines Control Agency. “We’ve built a stronger foundation to ensure the safety and quality of medical products for our nation.”
Looking Ahead
The experience has set The Gambia on a path toward universal health coverage, emphasizing affordable and safe access to essential medicines. With continued support from global partnerships, the country is making significant strides toward a safer healthcare system for all.
Health experts stress that a robust regulatory approach is vital for achieving universal health coverage, ensuring that communities can access quality medicines. These efforts pave the way for a healthier future, not only for The Gambia but for other nations striving to strengthen their healthcare systems.
