GAZA: The UN-led mass polio vaccination campaign in central Gaza reached its second day with temporary halts in Israeli attacks allowing thousands more children to receive their vaccines. On Sunday, 87,000 children were vaccinated, with the aim to reach a total of 156,000 in the Middle Area, according to UN agencies.
Louise Wateridge, Senior Communications Officer for UNRWA, noted the high interest from parents across Gaza, including those from Khan Younis, inquiring about when the vaccination would be available for their children. She stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire to ensure the campaign’s success and the release of hostages taken on October 7.
Wateridge reported that on the second day of the drive, “hundreds of children” were vaccinated at health centers and an UNRWA school in Deir Al-Balah, with the school alone vaccinating 3,000 children. The vaccination teams have been working at UNRWA health centers, mobile units, and tents, with similar setups planned for the following days.
The campaign, which is scheduled to last three days in Gaza’s Middle Area, is crucial following the detection of Gaza’s first polio case in 25 years. To fully protect children, they will need two doses of the vaccine, administered four weeks apart. Over 1.2 million doses have been delivered, with an additional 400,000 expected soon.
UNRWA, WHO, UNICEF, and Palestinian health authorities aim for at least 90% vaccination coverage in each round. The campaign is hindered by ongoing conflict, damaged infrastructure, and restricted access to certain areas. UNRWA emphasized the importance of maintaining humanitarian pauses to distribute vaccines safely.
The WHO welcomed the agreed humanitarian pauses but reiterated that a complete ceasefire is essential for the health and safety of Gaza’s children. The vaccination drive is part of a broader effort to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and shortages of basic necessities.
UN data indicates that about 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, with many living in overcrowded conditions. Despite occasional breaks from the fighting, the overall situation remains dire, underscoring the urgent need for peace.
