99 children died from kidney disorders related to cough syrups

In recent days, the World Health Organization has suspended the sale of four Indian-made syrups that had caused the same problems. The first cases were registered in July. According to some experts, deaths could increase in the coming days despite the ban on using the products.

Jakarta () – The Indonesian Ministry of Health confirmed 206 cases of children with kidney disorders as a result of consuming a cough syrup containing high doses of ethylene glycol. So far 99 deaths have been recorded. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had suspended the use of four syrups made in india after several children suffered kidney damage from the same toxic elements – more than 60 died.

Ministry spokeswoman Siti Nadia Tarmizi said the sale of all cough syrups had been banned. It is currently unclear whether the drug responsible for the children’s deaths is an imported or locally produced product.

According to the Indonesian epidemiologist Dicky Budiman, from the Australian Griffith University, the 206 registered cases are “the tip of the iceberg” and “the death toll could increase”. The scientist added that hemodialysis treatments are not common in Indonesia, not even in the country’s largest cities. In Jakarta, 65% of children with kidney disorders lost their lives despite being treated at the best hospital in the capital.

The former director of the WHO for Southeast Asia, Tjandra Yoga Aditama, also expressed her concern, urging the Indonesian health authorities to investigate the case so that “we know exactly what is the true cause of death of our children”.

Dr. Lila Yanwar, head of the West Sumatra health area, reported that at least 21 children from different parts of the province were being treated in hospitals in Padang and the Mentawai Islands.

In Yogyakarta, on the island of Java, a mother complained about the delay of the Indonesian health authorities in addressing the problem. The first cases date back to July (the same time as the first reports in The Gambia of syrups produced in India).

“I gave my son the syrup a few days ago and I have no idea what will happen to him,” the woman said, adding that in Yogyakarta alone there were at least 13 cases and six deaths.

Dr. Pembajun Setyaningastutie, head of the Yogyakarta health agency, explained that difficulty urinating is the first symptom that appears 3-5 days after consuming the syrup. “But we have to be sure of the real cause of these kidney disorders,” he added.