Large-Scale Polio Vaccination Campaign Begins in Gaza

The Palestinian health authorities and United Nations agencies have launched a massive campaign to vaccinate children against polio in the Gaza Strip. The initiative aims to prevent an outbreak in the war-torn territory.

The vaccination effort kicked off in central Gaza and will later extend to the more affected northern and southern areas. The goal is to reach approximately 640,000 children. Israel has agreed to temporary ceasefires to support the vaccination campaign, as confirmed by the World Health Organization.

Hospitals in Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat have confirmed the start of the vaccination initiative, following the recent polio case reported in Gaza – the first in 25 years. The case involved a 10-month-old boy who is now paralyzed in the leg. According to the World Health Organization, the presence of one paralysis case suggests there could be many more silent infections.

While most polio cases may not display symptoms, those that do can suffer permanent paralysis. In severe cases affecting breathing muscles, the disease can be fatal. To combat the outbreak, the vaccination campaign faces several challenges due to ongoing conflict, damaged infrastructure, and overcrowded living conditions in Gaza.

The World Health Organization has reached an agreement with Israel to facilitate the vaccination campaign by implementing limited pauses in the fighting. The program is set to continue until September 9, operating for eight hours a day.

For more updates on the situation, follow AP’s coverage here.