Gaza’s Polio Vaccination Drive Reaches 603,000 Children
In a significant public health initiative, a five-day mass polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip has successfully immunized nearly 603,000 children under the age of 10. The campaign, which concluded on Wednesday, utilized the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) and was conducted during a ceasefire, allowing health workers to access all five governorates. This effort aims to curb an ongoing poliovirus outbreak and prevent further transmission in the region.
Expanded Reach Amid Ceasefire
The recent vaccination campaign marked a notable increase in coverage, with an additional 40,000 children vaccinated compared to previous rounds held in September and October 2024. The detection of poliovirus in the Gaza Strip prompted these urgent vaccination efforts. The ceasefire provided a crucial window for health workers to reach children who had previously missed vaccinations due to displacement or insecurity, particularly in areas like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun.
Community engagement played a vital role in the campaign’s success. Prior to the conflict, immunization rates in Gaza were high, with 89% of children receiving their third dose of the oral polio vaccine in 2023. The campaign mobilized 1,660 vaccination teams, including 1,242 mobile units, and deployed 1,242 social mobilizers to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination. Despite challenging weather conditions, families actively participated, bringing their children to vaccination points.
Collaborative Efforts for Health Security
The Palestinian Ministry of Health spearheaded the campaign with support from international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This collaborative effort is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which has intensified surveillance for poliovirus since July 2024. Timely detection of the virus’s environmental circulation underscored the need for additional vaccinations to safeguard children.
As the ceasefire allows for the resumption of critical public health functions, restoring Gaza’s robust disease surveillance and routine immunization systems is essential. Experts emphasize that ending polio requires comprehensive vaccination coverage for every child. Additionally, ensuring access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and proper nutrition will help protect children from polio and other preventable diseases.
Call for Lasting Peace and Health Initiatives
WHO, UNICEF, and other partners continue to advocate for a lasting ceasefire that fosters long-term health and peace in the region. The recent vaccination campaign represents a crucial step toward protecting children from polio and highlights the importance of sustained public health efforts in Gaza. As the community rallies around these initiatives, the focus remains on achieving full vaccination coverage and enhancing overall health security for the future.
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