UN Confirms First Polio Case in Gaza in 25 Years: Urgent Vaccination Campaign Needed

Friday, 23 August 2024, 09:54

The UN has confirmed the first polio case in Gaza in 25 years, highlighting the dire health situation amidst ongoing conflicts. Urgent action is needed to vaccinate children against polio as the disease threatens the region. With deteriorating sanitation and health infrastructure, health officials stress the necessity of immediate vaccination efforts.
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UN Confirms First Polio Case in Gaza in 25 Years: Urgent Vaccination Campaign Needed

The Resurgence of Polio in Gaza

The UN has reported the first confirmed case of polio in Gaza in 25 years, marking a significant public health crisis in the area.

Health Infrastructure Under Siege

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UNRWA, stated that this case involved a 10-month-old baby whose paralysis was verified by the World Health Organization. Health officials are racing to roll out a broad vaccination campaign in response to the poliovirus detected in sewage samples collected from the enclave.

Immediate Vaccination Efforts Required

With children under ten at the greatest risk, Lazzarini emphasized the need for every Gazan child in this age group to be immunized. UNICEF is mobilizing to provide vaccinations despite challenging conditions.

Impact of Ongoing Conflict on Health Care

Humanitarian organizations indicate that the re-emergence of polio results from shattered sanitation systems and restricted access to essential supplies. With over 1.9 million displaced individuals, the situation continues to worsen, limiting access to clean water and hygiene products.

  1. Humanitarian Crisis: Conditions in Gaza have deteriorated significantly due to conflict, leading to public health emergencies.
  2. Vaccination Campaigns: UNICEF and WHO are pushing for urgent immunization to protect children.
  3. The overall health infrastructure in Gaza faces immense challenges, exacerbated by conflict.

This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.

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