Gaza Polio Vaccine: Urgent Need for Immunization Amid Conflict

Sunday, 1 September 2024, 17:30

Gaza polio vaccine efforts have begun to immunize children against the highly infectious virus. Coordinated by the UN, the campaign aims to reach over 640,000 children. With rising concerns about ceasefires, health officials stress the necessity for sustained peace to ensure effective vaccination coverage.
Cnn
Gaza Polio Vaccine: Urgent Need for Immunization Amid Conflict

Gaza Polio Vaccine Campaign Begins

The much-anticipated Gaza polio vaccine campaign, spearheaded by the United Nations, started this Sunday targeting hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza. Initial vaccinations were administered on Saturday, and the effort is set to immunize 640,000 children, representing over 90% of those under 10.

Importance of Ceasefire for Success

  • Health officials emphasize the need for a real ceasefire to ensure vaccination teams can operate safely.
  • The campaign spans three separate three-day periods from September 1 to September 12.
  • Concerns arise regarding the Israeli military’s commitment to honor pauses in fighting.

UN and WHO Support

The UN's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini highlighted the crucial benefit of respecting area pauses for the vaccination to succeed. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed this sentiment, stating that peace is essential for effective vaccination efforts.

Background of Polio in Gaza

Gaza's return of polio reflects the devastating impact of over ten months of conflict. Reports indicated that the virus was discovered in sewage samples, marking a significant health crisis.

  1. Effective immunization can only prevent polio.
  2. The Israeli military’s actions jeopardize the safety of aid efforts.

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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