The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has launched a crucial vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip to protect children from the highly infectious disease of polio. The campaign aims to reach a total of 156,000 children in the Middle Area of Gaza, with 87,000 children already vaccinated on the first day.
Louise Wateridge, Senior Communications Officer for UNRWA, expressed optimism about the response to the vaccination drive. She noted that parents from various areas of Gaza, including Khan Younis in the southern region, have shown interest in getting their children vaccinated. This early enthusiasm is a positive sign for the success of the campaign.
However, the success of the vaccination campaign hinges on the need for a ceasefire in the region. Ms. Wateridge stressed the importance of a temporary halt in hostilities to ensure the safe delivery of vaccines to all children in Gaza. She also called for the release of hostages taken during recent terror attacks led by Hamas in Israel.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the recent detection of the first case of polio in Gaza in 25 years. To provide maximum protection, children will need to receive two doses of the vaccine with a four-week interval. The campaign is a collaborative effort between UNRWA, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Palestinian health authorities.
In addition to the polio outbreak, Gaza has also been grappling with outbreaks of hepatitis, diarrhea, and other preventable diseases due to months of heavy bombardment and clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The need for a ceasefire to ensure safe access to all children in Gaza is paramount to the success of the vaccination campaign.
The vaccination teams have been operating at UNRWA health centers, mobile medical points, and tents to reach as many children as possible. UNRWA is working tirelessly to ensure that all children under the age of 10 receive the necessary vaccinations. The goal is to achieve at least 90% vaccination coverage in each round of the campaign to contain the current outbreak and prevent the international spread of polio.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict and the difficulties in accessing certain areas due to safety concerns, UNRWA remains committed to delivering vaccines to all children in need. The organization is determined to protect the health and well-being of Palestinian children in Gaza and prevent further outbreaks of infectious diseases.
The vaccination campaign in Gaza is a critical humanitarian effort that requires the cooperation of all parties involved to ensure the safe and effective delivery of vaccines to vulnerable children. UNRWA, along with its partners, is working tirelessly to address the urgent health needs of children in Gaza and prevent the spread of polio and other preventable diseases in the region.
