Palestinian health authorities and United Nations agencies initiated a comprehensive polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip to prevent an outbreak in the region heavily impacted by the Israel-Hamas war. The vaccination drive commenced in central Gaza and is scheduled to expand to the more devastated northern and southern areas. The goal is to vaccinate approximately 640,000 children in the coming days.
The World Health Organization facilitated a temporary pause in the conflict to facilitate the vaccination campaign. Despite reports of Israeli strikes in central Gaza, the pause ended on Sunday afternoon. The vaccination program is planned to continue until September 9, operating for eight hours daily.
Gaza recently recorded its first polio case in 25 years involving a 10-month-old boy who is now paralyzed. The presence of one paralysis case suggests the possibility of more infections without visible symptoms. Polio, transmitted through fecal matter, can lead to permanent paralysis or even prove fatal if breathing muscles are affected.
The ongoing conflict, damaged infrastructure, and dire living conditions in Gaza pose challenges to the vaccination campaign. With a significant portion of the population displaced and essential services disrupted, health officials are concerned about potential disease outbreaks. The accumulation of uncollected garbage and contaminated water exacerbates health risks, especially with widespread hunger prevailing.
The vaccination efforts face logistical difficulties as around 160 sites across Gaza, including medical facilities and schools, are designated for administering the vaccine to children under 10 years old. Each child will receive two rounds of oral polio vaccine, with the second dose administered four weeks after the first. Israel permitted the entry of 1.3 million vaccine doses last month, with an additional 400,000 doses expected soon.
The conflict in Gaza, which began with militant actions by Hamas in Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and extensive destruction. Efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages have faced obstacles despite diplomatic interventions by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
Despite the challenges posed by the conflict and ongoing humanitarian crisis, authorities aim to protect children in Gaza from the threat of polio through this vaccination campaign.
