Gaza Polio Vaccine Drive Begins Despite Ongoing Conflict

Sunday, 1 September 2024, 17:30

The Gaza polio vaccine campaign has officially started, aiming to immunize over 640,000 children against polio in conflict-stricken areas. The initiative is critical as health officials stress the dire need for a real ceasefire for full immunization. With rising health concerns following the detection of the virus, this effort represents a significant public health response amidst adversity.

Cnn — Gaza Polio Vaccine Drive Begins Despite Ongoing Conflict

Gaza Polio Vaccine Campaign Launches

The Gaza polio vaccine campaign has officially kicked off, aiming to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of children in the territory. Launched by the United Nations, the program targets to immunize 640,000 children in three separate phases from September 1 to September 12. Palestinian health officials emphasize that success hinges on a durable ceasefire, which is necessary for vaccination teams to safely reach children in remote areas.

Critical Need for Ceasefire

According to Deputy Health Minister Yousef Abu Al-Reesh, the vaccination initiative is committed to reaching every child in need, despite inherent risks posed by ongoing conflict. He highlighted that without international support and a credible ceasefire, efforts to contain the polio virus may falter.

Health Implications and Urgency

Polio was declared nearly eradicated in Gaza before the escalation of conflict.
Recent reports confirmed the presence of polio in sewage samples.
Immediate vaccination drives are crucial as the highly infectious virus can lead to irreversible paralysis.

The urgency of this campaign is accentuated by the fact that a baby was recently diagnosed with polio, marking the first case in Gaza in 25 years.

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.