United Nations tents have been set up outside the Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah in Gaza to administer polio vaccinations to children. The UNRWA aims to immunize 640,000 children in Gaza, which accounts for over 90% of children under 10 years old.
Children, accompanied by their relatives, are seen lining up outside the tents to receive their vaccinations. After receiving the vaccine, nurses record their names and mark their fingers as a sign of vaccination.
Wafa Ubeid, a mother waiting in line with her three children, expressed her fears about the future and hopes that the vaccination campaign will pave the way for a broader effort to improve living conditions in Gaza.
The vaccination campaign is scheduled to take place over three, three-day periods from September 1 to September 12. UNRWA emphasizes the importance of maintaining a ceasefire during the campaign to ensure the safety of aid workers and children.
UNRWA spokesperson Louise Wateridge highlighted the challenges faced during the campaign due to ongoing conflicts in the region. She expressed relief at the successful start of the vaccination campaign and remains hopeful that the pauses in fighting will continue to allow for the completion of the immunization drive.
The UN's efforts to combat polio in Gaza are crucial in addressing the health challenges faced by the population, especially in the midst of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
