The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for the protection of health teams preparing to launch a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza.
He emphasised that the safety of health workers, medical facilities, and children is critical as the vaccination drive begins. The appeal comes amid escalating violence in the region, raising concerns about the safety of humanitarian operations.
Tedros made his plea through social media, urging all parties involved in the conflict to prioritise the protection of these vital public health efforts. He stressed that safeguarding health workers and ensuring the security of medical infrastructure is essential for the campaign's success. The campaign, set to start on Sunday, aims to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, from the highly infectious disease.
The WHO Chief also reiterated his call for lasting peace, stating that only a ceasefire can truly protect the children of Gaza. He highlighted the importance of allowing the polio vaccination teams to conduct their work safely, underscoring the need for a secure environment for humanitarian activities.
While humanitarian pauses are welcome, Tedros emphasised that a ceasefire is the ultimate solution to safeguard the health and future of Gaza's children.
The WHO's appeal is particularly urgent given the recent diagnosis of 10-month-old Abdul Rahman as Gaza’s first polio case in 25 years. This case, described by the WHO as a stark reminder of how conflict can steal futures, has prompted the organisation to plan a two-round vaccination campaign to protect 640,000 children in the war-torn region.
Recent violent events have heightened concerns over the safety of humanitarian workers in Gaza. In a tragic incident this week, four security staff members accompanying an aid convoy were killed in an Israeli airstrike.
Additionally, a vehicle from the UN’s World Food Programme was struck by Israeli gunfire near a checkpoint, illustrating the perilous conditions under which aid organisations operate.
The director of American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), in an interview with Al Jazeera, expressed deep concern over the lack of prior warning or communication from Israeli forces before they targeted their convoy. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of four Palestinians, has raised alarms about the risks faced by those delivering essential aid in conflict zones.
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