The second stage of the UN-led polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is scheduled to commence on Monday, October 14, as announced by UNICEF chief Catherine Russell. This phase aims to vaccinate approximately 590,000 children under the age of 10 in the region.
Russell emphasized the importance of area-specific humanitarian pauses that have been agreed upon by all parties involved. She stressed that respecting these pauses is crucial for the successful vaccination of children, highlighting that without them, the task becomes impossible.
UNICEF has received additional vaccine equipment and cold boxes to support the vaccination efforts. Russell expressed readiness to deliver and administer vaccines to children in order to halt the transmission of polio. She noted that the positive outcomes of the first round underscore the effectiveness of the campaign when agreements are honored.
The initial phase of the campaign, conducted last month, saw over 560,000 children under the age of 10 in Gaza receiving vaccinations, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestine refugees, reported that aid workers achieved more than 90% of the targeted vaccine coverage during the first round.
Despite the success of the campaign, relief workers faced various challenges during the rollout, particularly in northern Gaza. These obstacles included Israeli evacuation orders, damaged roads due to bombardment, escalated hostilities, and limited fuel supplies.
