India's industry supplies nearly half of the pharmaceuticals used in Africa.

At least 70 children in Gambia, most under 5 years old, died from acute kidney injury between June and October.

India's drug industry is one of the biggest in the world but its reputation has been shaken after tests conducted by the World Health Organization and other agencies showed toxins in the cough syrups.

The food and drug regulator says it is investigating the possibility that the ingredients, diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, had contaminated other materials that are used as solvents.

Gambia is also investigating the deaths and this week set up a new commission of inquiry to deal with them.

The probe comes as authorities in Gambia say nearly 70 children have died from acute kidney injury after taking a locally-sold paracetamol syrup used to treat fever.

Kidney injuries caused 66 child deaths in the past three months, authorities say.