Health official says polio vaccine campaign begins in war-torn Gaza
Health officials announced the start of a polio vaccination campaign on Saturday, August 31, 2024, following the region's first polio case in 25 years.A comprehensive vaccination effort is set to begin on Sunday, September 1, 2024, coinciding with a "humanitarian pause" agreed upon by Israel and Hamas.
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A polio vaccination campaign has commenced in Gaza, with health officials announcing the initiative on Saturday, August 31, 2024. This effort comes in response to the region's first polio case in 25 years, a 10-month-old boy who is now paralyzed due to the disease. The campaign aims to vaccinate approximately 640,000 children in Gaza, targeting those who have missed vaccinations amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The vaccination drive began with limited doses administered on Saturday, followed by a large-scale rollout starting Sunday, September 1, 2024. This rollout coincides with a "humanitarian pause" agreed upon by Israel and Hamas, allowing health workers to operate more safely in the war-torn area. The campaign will initially focus on central Gaza before extending to the more severely affected northern and southern regions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Israel has agreed to temporary pauses in military operations to facilitate the vaccination efforts. These pauses are crucial, as ongoing hostilities have severely impacted healthcare access and infrastructure in Gaza.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, and many families live in dire conditions, exacerbating health risks.
Healthcare providers have been warning about the potential for a polio outbreak for months, given the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The recent case of polio underscores the urgent need for vaccinations, as the presence of paralysis indicates that there may be many more undetected infections.
The campaign not only aims to prevent further cases of polio but also faces significant challenges, including the ongoing violence, damaged roads, and limited access to healthcare facilities. With around 90% of Gaza's population displaced, the logistical hurdles are substantial.
As the vaccination campaign unfolds, health officials stress the importance of reaching as many children as possible to avert a public health crisis. The situation remains precarious, with the conflict continuing to pose risks to both health workers and the civilian population in Gaza.
