Gaza has initiated a polio vaccination campaign targeting over 600,000 children, following the detection of the region’s first polio case in more than two decades. This campaign is a collaborative effort led by the World Health Organization (WHO), with significant contributions from UNICEF, the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), and the local Ministry of Health. The resurgence of polio, a highly infectious and potentially deadly disease, is attributed to disruptions in routine vaccinations and the destruction of medical facilities due to conflict. The campaign faces numerous logistical challenges, including vaccine delivery, maintaining the cold chain, and reaching children under the age of 10 across various parts of Gaza amidst ongoing conflict.
- The polio vaccination campaign in Gaza aims to immunize over 600,000 children.
- This initiative was prompted by the first recorded case of polio in the region in over two decades.
- The campaign is led by the World Health Organization, with significant roles played by UNICEF, UNRWA, and the local Ministry of Health.
- Conflict has disrupted routine vaccinations and destroyed medical infrastructure, facilitating the disease’s resurgence.
- Logistical challenges include securing and distributing vaccines, maintaining their cold chain, and accessing fuel for transportation.
- Negotiations have been necessary to ensure humanitarian pauses and adherence to evacuation agreements during the campaign.
- The campaign involves both fixed health points in shelters and mobile teams for wider reach.
- Every child under the age of 10 in Gaza, estimated at 640,000, needs to receive the vaccine, with the campaign requiring two doses per child.
- Operational challenges are compounded by the high mobility and displacement of the target population due to conflict.
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