The United Nations has launched an emergency polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, beginning Sunday, in an effort to curb the spread of the virus in the region.
This initiative follows a humanitarian pause agreement between the World Health Organization (WHO) and Israel, allowing the vaccination effort to proceed amidst ongoing tensions.
The campaign is a joint effort by several UN agencies, including UNRWA, UNICEF, and WHO, aiming to vaccinate over 640,000 children in Gaza. The vaccination drive will be conducted in two rounds, with the first phase starting on September 1, 2024, in the Deir al-Balah area. The vaccinations will be available from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm until September 4, 2024.
UNICEF Palestine, in a post on X, urged parents to bring their children to the nearest vaccination point, regardless of previous vaccinations, to receive an emergency dose. The organisation emphasised that the vaccination is free and safe, and essential for protecting children from the poliovirus.
The urgency of this campaign is underscored by recent detections of the poliovirus in environmental samples from Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah in July 2024. Alarmingly, three children in Gaza have shown symptoms of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), a condition commonly associated with polio, highlighting the need for immediate action.
Polio is a highly contagious virus that primarily spreads through contaminated water or food. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis, respiratory difficulties, and even death. While many countries have successfully eradicated polio, the virus remains a threat in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate sewage control.
UNICEF has also stressed the importance of protecting children, families, and community workers during the vaccination drive. The organisation called for all parties to respect the humanitarian pauses in specific areas to ensure the safe and effective delivery of vaccines.
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