Vaccination campaign in war-torn Gaza faces challenges as UN prepares for second round.
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| Second phase of polio vaccination campaign in Gaza faces obstacles due to ongoing violence. File Image Courtesy: UNICEF |
Jerusalem, Palestine – October 13, 2024
The United Nations has issued a warning that the second round of polio vaccinations in the war-torn Gaza Strip will be more complex than the first. Despite the successful completion of the initial round, which reached a target of 90% of children under 10, the upcoming campaign faces significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are preparing to launch the second phase of the vaccination campaign on Monday, aiming to provide follow-up doses to approximately 591,700 children. The initiative will require localized "humanitarian pauses" in the fighting to ensure safe and effective delivery of the vaccine.
Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO's representative for the Palestinian territories, expressed confidence in the hundreds of teams ready to implement the second stage of the campaign. However, he acknowledged concerns about the escalating situation in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, where Israel has intensified its military operations and issued evacuation orders.
The vaccination campaign is a crucial step in preventing the spread of polio in Gaza, where a confirmed case was reported in July after decades of eradication efforts. The virus was detected in sewage samples in June, raising alarms about the potential for an outbreak.
The upcoming round of vaccinations will face additional hurdles due to the ongoing conflict and the displacement of thousands of people. The UN agencies are working closely with local authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure that all children receive the necessary doses, regardless of their location or circumstances.