Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza Cut Short Due to Conflict
The ongoing military operation in northern Gaza has severely impacted a crucial polio vaccination campaign aimed at protecting children. The United Nations reported that thousands of children were unable to receive the vaccine due to the escalating violence in the region. Despite the successful vaccination of 94,000 children in Gaza City, the campaign was halted in the northern areas, which have been under intense bombardment since early October.
The vaccination initiative, launched in September, initially aimed to immunize over 560,000 Palestinian children under the age of ten. The first phase concluded with significant coverage, but the current situation has made it impossible to continue in the northern Gaza Strip, where the conflict has intensified. The UN and health organizations have called for immediate access to ensure the health of children in these war-torn areas.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Military Action
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated drastically. Reports indicate that over 145,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded, with a significant number being children and women. The ongoing military actions have led to widespread destruction, famine, and the displacement of residents, further complicating efforts to provide essential health services like vaccinations.
The urgency for humanitarian aid is critical as the health of thousands of children hangs in the balance, with calls from international organizations for ceasefires to allow for safe vaccination and medical assistance.
