Polio Vaccination Campaign Initiated by Israel Amid Gaza Strife

Thursday, 29 August 2024, 20:40

Polio vaccination efforts have begun in Gaza following Israel's agreement to pause hostilities. The campaign aims to immunize young children against polio, a critical health measure. The initiative underscores the urgent need to address declining vaccination rates in the region.

Cnn — Polio Vaccination Campaign Initiated by Israel Amid Gaza Strife

Israel's Strategic Pauses for Polio Vaccination

Israel has agreed to a series of pauses in fighting in Gaza to facilitate the vaccination of young children against polio. These pauses are scheduled to commence on September 1, with a focus on enabling the distribution of vaccines effectively within targeted zones.

Details of the Vaccination Campaign

Three phases of 3-day pauses are planned, starting in central Gaza.
Each phase will last approximately seven hours for vaccine distribution.
The aim is to immunize around 640,000 children under 10 years old.

The WHO emphasizes that more than 90% vaccination coverage is essential to halt the polio outbreak. Despite recent turmoil, efforts are being made to secure the health of Gaza's children amidst significant challenges, including disruptions caused by conflict.

Global Support and Local Collaboration

A number of international organizations, including the WHO and UNICEF, are collaborating on this vaccination initiative. Local health authorities and various humanitarian groups are also involved to ensure the campaign's success despite potential challenges.

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.