The United Nations is preparing to launch a crucial polio vaccine campaign in Gaza that aims to reach more than 640,000 children under the age of 10.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that Gaza is facing a dire humanitarian crisis. Despite the already severe conditions, the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza continues to worsen while the world looks on.
He continued: The recent discovery of poliovirus in wastewater samples in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah indicates that the virus is now spreading, putting hundreds of thousands of Gaza’s children at risk.
According to local news, Guterres emphasized that polio does not respect boundaries and cannot be delayed. He stressed the need for a large-scale, coordinated, and immediate effort to prevent and contain its spread.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the release of 1.6 million doses of the polio vaccine to address this urgent situation.
To vaccinate 640,000 Palestinian children in Gaza, the UNRWA and other health workers on the ground are planning to administer the vaccine in two rounds. This effort will involve 708 teams operating in hospitals and primary health care centers, many of which are functioning with limited capacity, and 316 community outreach teams throughout Gaza.
Guterres concluded by urging all parties involved to provide concrete assurances promptly, guaranteeing humanitarian pauses for the vaccination campaign.
