Senegal faces outcry over sanitary pad quality scandal
Anger is rising in Senegal after allegations surfaced that leading Chinese firm Softcare used expired materials in sanitary pads and diapers. The Senegalese Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency accused Softcare of possessing expired and unsuitable raw materials, sparking public concern and protests. Guy Marius Sagna, a member of parliament, and health professionals have voiced worries about the potential health risks. Softcare denies all allegations and claims the disputed materials were never used in production.
What we know
- The Senegalese Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency accused Softcare of holding 1,300 kilograms of expired and unsuitable raw materials.
- Inspectors reported the materials were found at Softcare’s Senegalese factory, but the company insists they were not used in production.
- Guy Marius Sagna criticized the health minister for not reacting to the scandal for three weeks during a rally near the health ministry.
- Health professionals, including Diabel Drame and Alima Niang, reported cases of irritation and itching among users of Softcare products.
- Softcare claims the affected materials are stored in a disused warehouse and have not entered the market.
