Over 180,000 children aged 10 and younger in central Gaza have received polio vaccinations during a three-day campaign that took place from October 14 to 16. This initiative was led by the UN's children's agency, UNICEF, and aimed to protect the vulnerable population from the debilitating effects of polio.
Following the successful campaign, it was announced that eight health facilities will continue to offer polio vaccines and Vitamin A doses until Tuesday for those who were unable to participate in the initial round of vaccinations. This extended effort underscores the commitment to ensuring that all children have access to essential healthcare services.
The vaccination campaign is set to expand to the south of Gaza, with operations scheduled from Saturday to Tuesday in one area and from Wednesday to Thursday in another. This strategic approach will help reach a larger number of children and further strengthen the region's defenses against polio.
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the efforts of the campaign, highlighting the significant impact it has had on the community. In a statement, he shared, 'The #Polio campaign, with second dose vaccination, concluded in central #Gaza yesterday with 181,429 children being vaccinated and 148,064 children receiving vitamin A supplements.' This achievement reflects the dedication of healthcare workers and the collaborative spirit of organizations working together to safeguard the health of children in Gaza.
