Archive · 25 Jul 2025
WHO and UNODC Report: Contaminated Medicines Caused Over 1,300 Deaths
A new report says that many people have died from medicines that were contaminated with harmful chemicals.
These chemicals are often used in things like antifreeze and can be very dangerous, especially for kids.
The problem is worse in countries where they don't check medicines as carefully.
Some bad people are putting these chemicals in medicines on purpose to make money.
The report suggests that we need better rules and more cooperation between countries to stop this from happening and keep people safe.
Report by WHO and UNODC reveals over 1,300 deaths from contaminated medicines.
Deaths linked to industrial-grade chemicals like DEG and EG in medicines.
Low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by the issue.
Criminal networks exploit regulatory gaps to introduce toxic substitutes.
Report suggests stronger oversight and global collaboration to address contamination.
- Who
- Report by WHO and UNODC.
- What
- Over 1,300 deaths globally from contaminated medicines, primarily containing DEG and EG.
- When
- Over the last 90 years, with recent cases in 2022 and 2023.
- Where
- Globally, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries.
- Why
- Contamination due to regulatory gaps and criminal exploitation.
- Report Authors
- WHO and UNODC
- Total Deaths
- Over 1,300
- Contaminants
- DEG and EG
- Affected Regions
- LMICs
- Recent Cases
- Gambia (2022), Uzbekistan (2023)