Conflicted MCA Director Admits Listing Medicines Without Full Testing Amid Child Deaths
The Executive Director of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), Mr. Essa Marenah, has admitted under cross-examination that the agency approved medicines through a process called “Listing”—which does not require laboratory testing—due to the country’s limited testing capabilities. His testimony came during the ongoing civil trial over the Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) scandal, in which more than 70 children died after consuming contaminated syrups. Counsel for the plaintiffs argued that the four deadly medicines were never officially registered but merely listed, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight before and after the tragic deaths. More in the report.
MCA Director Faces Intense Cross-Examination at AKI Trial, Confronts Journalist Over Photo
The Executive Director of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), Mr. Essa Marenah, came under sharp scrutiny during a tense cross-examination at the High Court on Thursday, as part of the ongoing lawsuit over the deaths of children linked to contaminated medicines. The courtroom tension later spilled outside, where Mr. Marenah confronted a journalist for taking his photo and allegedly attempted to force its deletion. More in the report.

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By closely monitoring the progress of the country's transitional process, Askanwi continues to lead with powerful human interest stories, including the ongoing coverage of the Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) crisis, the drafting of the new Constitution, and the rollout of the Transitional Justice Program—just to name a few.
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