Gaza Polio Vaccine Initiative Underway to Protect Children
Gaza Polio Vaccine Drive Commences
The United Nations' highly anticipated Gaza polio vaccine campaign began Sunday with the goal of vaccinating 640,000 children under 10. After initial vaccinations, the official program commenced amidst ongoing battles, highlighting the significant health risks faced by children in Gaza.
Challenges and Call for Peace
Health officials stress a ceasefire is necessary for the campaign's success. Vaccination teams are prepared to work in high-risk areas to reach every child in need. Deputy Health Minister Yousef Abu Al-Reesh stated the importance of coordinated international efforts and respect for temporary pauses in conflict.
Urgency of Vaccination
The emergence of polio, following a 25-year absence in Gaza, raises alarms as the virus was detected in sewage samples earlier this year. The vaccination effort aims to restore health security for children dramatically affected by over 10 months of warfare, which has seen childhood immunization coverage plummet.
Conclusion
UNRWA authorities emphasize this campaign is a race against time to protect vulnerable children, advocating for immediate international intervention as ongoing violence jeopardizes vaccine distribution.
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.