The World Health Organization (WHO) has successfully concluded the first phase of a critical polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, aiming to protect the health of children in a region devastated by ongoing conflict. This initiative is particularly urgent following the detection of the first polio case in Gaza in 25 years, identified in a 10-month-old infant. The campaign, which aims to vaccinate over 640,000 children, has already reached 187,000 children in the central Gaza Strip, despite the challenging conditions faced by families and health workers.
As the conflict has forced many of the 2.4 million residents into overcrowded shelters, the WHO has mobilized more than 500 teams of health professionals and social workers to ensure that vaccination efforts are effective. The campaign has been executed at 143 sites, demonstrating a robust commitment to child health in a time of crisis. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the dedication of families and health workers, emphasizing the need for a continued humanitarian truce and a call for a ceasefire to facilitate ongoing health initiatives.
Following the successful completion of the initial phase, the WHO is set to launch a new vaccination campaign in the southern Gaza Strip, targeting an additional 340,000 children over the next four days. This extensive effort underscores the organization's commitment to combating polio and ensuring that no child is left unprotected amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
- The WHO has classified polio as a global health emergency since 2014, highlighting the severity of the disease and the importance of vaccination. The current campaign is not just a response to the recent outbreak but part of a broader strategy to eradicate polio globally. The ongoing conflict in Gaza complicates these efforts, making it essential for international organizations to work closely with local health services to ensure the safety and health of children in the region.
