A polio vaccination campaign has been launched in Gaza to immunize 600,000 children under the age of 10. The initiative, led by the Gaza Health Ministry, is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and UNRWA. Health officials are racing against time after traces of the virus were detected in sewage systems, raising fears of an outbreak.
A Coordinated Effort to Protect Children
The campaign began on Saturday and will run for three days, with the possibility of an extension if needed. According to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, more than 1,700 UNRWA team members are working across health centers and mobile units to reach every child.
Health officials say the vaccination drive is critical, as polio can spread rapidly in crowded conditions and lead to lifelong disabilities. The UN emphasizes that children require two doses of the oral polio vaccine for full protection.
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A Response to a Growing Health Crisis
This led to Gaza’s first polio vaccination campaign in September 2024, amid the ongoing war. That campaign, conducted in two phases, successfully vaccinated more than 1.1 million children by November 7. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that the first phase alone immunized over 560,000 children by September 12.
Challenges in the Wake of Conflict
The polio outbreak is one of many health crises resulting from the prolonged Israeli military assault on Gaza. The 15-month war, which ended with a ceasefire on January 19, left the healthcare system severely weakened.
Polio, a virus that spreads through contaminated water and poor sanitation, thrives in war-torn regions with limited healthcare access. The Gaza Health Ministry and international organizations are working tirelessly to ensure children receive the life-saving vaccine despite these challenges.
A Race Against Time
Health experts stress the urgency of the campaign, warning that polio spreads quickly in densely populated areas like Gaza. If not contained, it could put thousands of children at risk of paralysis.
Authorities are urging all parents to bring their children to designated vaccination centers or mobile units. The UN and WHO continue to monitor the situation closely, prepared to extend the campaign if necessary.
With health services stretched to their limits, this vaccination drive is a crucial step in preventing a larger outbreak.
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