Gaza: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced Friday the resumption of the third phase of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza on Saturday. The initiative is set to continue despite challenges, focusing efforts on Gaza City and aiming to vaccinate approximately 119,000 children under the age of ten.
According to Qatar News Agency, the decision to resume the campaign follows a humanitarian truce that allows for limited operations in the area. The current phase is significantly scaled down compared to the first round conducted in September, due to restrictions that hinder access to targeted locations. WHO and UNICEF emphasize the importance of this campaign, particularly after a case of partial paralysis due to the polio virus was reported in August-the first in 25 years in the region.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza has expressed concerns over the obstacles faced by vaccination teams, attributing disruptions to occupation forces. They warn that
failure of the campaign could perpetuate the polio threat, endangering not only Gaza but surrounding areas as well. Historical data shows that the initial vaccination phase successfully reached 559,161 children, achieving a 95 percent coverage rate. However, subsequent efforts were hampered by increased conflict, particularly in northern Gaza, delaying the campaign initially set to begin on September 1.
The resumed efforts underscore the ongoing challenges faced by health organizations in conflict zones and the critical need for international support to ensure the safety and well-being of affected populations.