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How the WHO leaves poor countries exposed to dangerous Indian drugs

Deadly Indian cough syrups in The Gambia and beyond point to shocking disparities in drug regulation for the world’s rich and poor, with the World Health Organisation failing to protect vulnerable countries

By Vidya Krishnan and Arshu John
Pharmaceutical Graphic from India and Gambia
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This story is part of “Pills, Perils, Profits”, a Himal investigative series on Southasian pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports.

Reporting for this story was supported by the Pulitzer Center.

EBRIMA SAGNIA had the patient look of a man who had spoken to a lot of journalists. At the age of 45, grief had transformed him, Sagnia said, since he inadvertently poisoned his son, Lamin. 

“Just imagine, you give your child a syrup hoping he will get better,” Sagnia said. “Instead you realise you gave him poison from India. And you lose that child.” He adds softly, almost muttering to himself, “I am traumatised.”