GAZA (Reuters) – The third phase of a long-delayed polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is set to begin on Saturday, according to aid organizations. This critical initiative was postponed due to the ongoing Israeli bombardments, mass displacement of families, and significant access issues that have hindered relief efforts in the region.
The polio vaccination campaign first launched on September 1, after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a baby in Gaza was partially paralyzed by the type 2 polio virus. This incident marked the first confirmed case of polio in the territory in 25 years, underscoring the urgent need for vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable populations, especially children.
A joint statement issued by UNICEF and the WHO highlighted that while a humanitarian pause has been secured to facilitate the vaccination efforts, the area of this pause has been drastically reduced compared to the initial vaccination phase that took place in northern Gaza in September 2024. Currently, the campaign is restricted to Gaza City, which significantly limits the reach of the vaccination drive.
The ultimate goal of this final phase of the vaccination campaign was to provide a second dose of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to approximately 119,000 children under the age of 10 in northern Gaza. However, the organizations have expressed deep concerns that achieving this target is now highly unlikely due to ongoing access constraints and the current security situation in the region. With infrastructure severely damaged and the healthcare system under immense pressure, the logistical challenges for delivering vaccines have become increasingly complex.
Health officials emphasize the importance of this vaccination campaign in preventing the spread of polio and protecting the health of children in Gaza. The resumption of the campaign is crucial not only for immediate health concerns but also for long-term public health in a region that has faced numerous challenges, including conflict, displacement, and healthcare shortages.
Furthermore, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened dramatically in recent months due to continued hostilities. Many families have been displaced, and healthcare facilities have been overwhelmed with casualties from the conflict. This situation complicates the logistics of carrying out health campaigns such as vaccination drives, which are essential to ensure the health and safety of children.
As the vaccination campaign prepares to restart, health officials and aid organizations are appealing for greater access and support from the international community to help overcome the barriers faced in delivering essential health services in the region. The hope is that with coordinated efforts, more children can be vaccinated against polio, ultimately contributing to the global goal of eradicating this disease.
As the campaign progresses, the international community’s response and the situation on the ground will play pivotal roles in determining the success of these vaccination efforts. Continued monitoring and support will be essential to navigate the ongoing challenges and ensure the health and safety of children in Gaza.
