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Gaza, [Date] – The United Nations, in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health and other global health agencies, is set to launch a massive polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, aiming to immunize over 591,000 children under the age of 10. The initiative, which begins this weekend, is expected to run for five days.
The campaign comes in response to the recent detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples, indicating that the highly infectious disease is still circulating within the region. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that children remain at risk, particularly in an environment where many individuals have low or no immunity, allowing the virus to spread unchecked.
“Individuals with low or no immunity provide the virus an opportunity to continue spreading and potentially cause disease,” WHO stated in a news release.
Health experts have expressed grave concerns over the dire sanitary conditions in Gaza, exacerbated by overcrowded shelters, damaged water infrastructure, and dysfunctional sewer systems. WHO has described these circumstances as “ideal conditions for further spread of poliovirus.”
The ongoing mass displacement of people within Gaza during the current ceasefire is another factor contributing to the heightened risk of transmission, WHO warned. To mitigate this, the UN and its partners, including the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), are supporting local health authorities in executing the immunization drive.
The health agency reaffirmed that polio vaccines are safe and that there is no maximum limit to how many times a child can be vaccinated, as each dose enhances immunity. An additional round of vaccinations is scheduled for April to ensure extended protection.
Water and Sanitation Efforts Intensify
Alongside the vaccination drive, humanitarian organizations are ramping up efforts to improve access to clean water and sanitation. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that over 1,780 water points across Gaza are now operational, with more than 85% of them supporting water trucking services.
To ensure equitable aid distribution, humanitarian agencies are deploying over 100 mobile teams and volunteers at nearly 70 aid distribution centers throughout the enclave. These teams are focused on assisting vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, in accessing essential supplies with dignity and security.
Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, Israeli military operations continue to cause destruction and displacement, particularly in northern areas. In Tulkarm refugee camp, humanitarian reports indicate that Israeli forces demolished at least five homes on Tuesday, with additional homes also slated for demolition.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available reports from international health agencies and humanitarian organizations. The situation in Gaza is complex and rapidly evolving. Readers are encouraged to consult official UN and WHO sources for the latest updates on health and humanitarian efforts in the region.
