WHO Issues Global Alert for 3 Indian Cough Syrups After Child Deaths

The World Health Organization issued a global medical alert for three Indian-made cough syrups—Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife—linked to the deaths of at least 24 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The syrups were found to contain toxic diethylene glycol (DEG). The WHO urged increased surveillance of unregulated markets worldwide. Indian authorities have halted production at the implicated manufacturing sites and initiated product recalls, while the Tamil Nadu government has cancelled the manufacturing license for one of the firms.