An extensive polio vaccination campaign led by the United Nations has successfully reached approximately 87,000 children in Gaza on its inaugural day, as reported by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) with reference to the World Health Organization.
The campaign, which commenced in the middle areas of Gaza, is now progressing into its second day, with subsequent phases planned for the southern and northern regions. The ultimate goal is to immunize a total of 640,000 children by September 12, encompassing over 90% of children under the age of 10.
This crucial initiative has been made possible through negotiated pauses in the ongoing conflict by Israel, allowing for the safe delivery of vaccinations. UNRWA emphasized the necessity of maintaining peace during the campaign to ensure the successful immunization of children.
The resurgence of polio in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the devastation caused by prolonged Israeli bombardment over the past 10 months. Following the detection of the virus in sewage samples in June, a distressing case emerged with a baby being diagnosed with polio, marking the first instance in Gaza in a quarter of a century.
Prior to the conflict, Gaza boasted nearly universal polio vaccine coverage, which has now declined to below 90%. Polio predominantly impacts children under five years old, posing risks of irreversible paralysis and fatality. With no known cure, prevention through vaccination remains the sole defense against this highly contagious disease.
Gaza's population, comprising nearly two million individuals, sees a significant proportion under the age of 18, highlighting the urgency of widespread immunization efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of the enclave's youth.
