A first group of babies in Gaza received polio vaccinations ahead of the official start of a United Nations-led campaign. The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis was among the first to administer the vital vaccines. The UN agency in Gaza, UNRWA, aims to immunize over 640,000 children in the war-torn enclave with the help of agreed pauses in fighting by Israel.
Palestinian health officials emphasize the need for a 'real ceasefire' for the vaccination drive to be fully successful. Deputy Health Minister Yousef Abu Al-Reesh highlighted the importance of international support for a permanent ceasefire to ensure the campaign's success.
The vaccination teams are dedicated to reaching all Palestinian individuals in need of the vaccine, despite the risks involved. The campaign is scheduled to take place over three 3-day periods from September 1 to September 12.
The return of polio to Gaza underscores the impact of the prolonged Israeli bombardment. The UN's response follows the detection of the virus in sewage samples in June, with a recent case of a baby being diagnosed with polio, the first in Gaza in 25 years.
Before the conflict, Gaza had high polio vaccine coverage, but it has since declined below 90%. Polio primarily affects children under 5 years old, leading to irreversible paralysis and death. Prevention through immunization is crucial as there is no cure for the highly infectious disease.
The vaccination campaign coincides with reports of Israeli attacks on aid convoys, including a strike on a humanitarian vehicle that resulted in casualties. The Israeli military stated that the target was 'armed men' who had taken control of the convoy.
