Johnson & Johnson’s children’s cough syrup has been recalled in several African countries due to the presence of toxic diethylene glycol. The recall was triggered after Nigeria’s health watchdog found the compound in a batch of Benylin Paediatric Syrup. Excessive diethylene glycol levels have been correlated with the deaths of numerous children in other countries, highlighting the importance of quality control and prompt action in the pharmaceutical industry. People who have used the faulty batches or observed adverse reactions in children are strongly advised to seek immediate medical help and report the occurrences to aid health authorities in containing the situation.
The fifth annual Investment Conference in South Africa, recently held in Johannesburg, has been a resounding success. The gathering, aimed at promoting investment in the country, attracted investors from both South Africa and other parts of the world. Some leading industries that received investment commitments included mining and mineral beneficiation, the energy sector, industrial sector, advanced materials, chemicals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, infrastructure development, logistics, and social housing. With these sectors receiving significant investment commitments, the conference achieved its target of R1.2 trillion investments.