Four siblings die after failed self medication in Yakshid district, Mogadishu

Four siblings died and one hospitalised in critical condition this morning following a failed self medication by their mother last night in Yakshid district, Mogadishu.

A family relative told Goobjoog News some neighbours had advised the bereaved mother to use an ointment to heal skin rashes which her children developed but the four children were found dead in the morning with the fifth one in bad condition.

The ointment, which is a concoction of several drugs is normally used to treat skin diseases for goats and camels but occasionally finds use among humans, a source told Goobjoog News.

Drugs dispensation and regulation in Somalia is still a major challenge and cases of expired human medicine are also common. The situation is made worse by the fact that many people opt for self medication increasing the risks of drug abuse.