Hundreds of Gazan families have been queuing since early Sunday morning to await the turn of their child to receive a polio vaccination in a campaign aimed at stopping the resurgence of a virus that has been attributed to unsanitary conditions. The urgency of the situation is evident as health workers race against time to vaccinate at least 90 percent of children during each round in order to prevent the outbreak from spreading internationally.
Sam Rose, a spokesperson for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestine refugees, spoke to international media on Sunday, revealing that over 200 teams are currently administering the vaccine in 25 locations across the middle areas of Gaza. The campaign is being conducted in stages, with each stage lasting three days and covering different areas of Gaza. Vaccination coverage will be closely monitored and analyzed each day, with the possibility of extending the vaccination drives by an additional day if necessary.
The operation, organized jointly by UNRWA, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Palestinian Ministry of Health, is crucial in halting the spread of polio in Gaza. However, the success of the campaign is contingent upon maintaining security for health workers and the Gazan population. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, emphasized the importance of all parties involved in the conflict respecting the temporary area pauses to ensure the safety of those administering the vaccinations.
In a social media post, Lazzarini described the campaign as a “race against time,” underscoring the need for a lasting ceasefire to protect children in the region. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, echoed this sentiment, stating that ultimately, the best vaccine for these children is peace. The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Gaza, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict that will allow for the successful continuation of the vaccination campaign.
On the same day as the launch of the vaccination campaign, tragic news emerged of the death of six hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his grief over the loss, particularly recalling his meeting with the family of one of the hostages, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was reported dead on Sunday. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for the unconditional release of all hostages and an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, describing the situation as a nightmare that must come to an end.
The vaccination campaign in Gaza is a critical step in preventing the spread of polio and protecting the health of children in the region. The collaboration between UN agencies, the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and other international partners demonstrates a united front against the resurgence of the virus. However, the success of the campaign hinges on the maintenance of security and stability in the region, underscoring the need for a lasting ceasefire to protect the most vulnerable populations in Gaza.
As Gazan families continue to line up for vaccinations, the international community stands in solidarity with efforts to combat the spread of polio and provide essential healthcare services to those in need. The hope is that through collective action and a commitment to peace, the children of Gaza can be safeguarded against the threat of preventable diseases and the devastating impact of ongoing conflict.
