Gaza Achieves 90% Polio Vaccination Coverage Amid Conflict

In a significant public health achievement, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has reported that 90% of children in Gaza have received their first dose of polio vaccine. This milestone comes amidst ongoing challenges posed by the Israel-Hamas conflict in the region.

The vaccination campaign, which commenced 1 year and 15 days ago, aimed to immunize approximately 640,000 children under the age of 10 against polio. This initiative was launched in response to the first confirmed case of type 2 poliovirus in Gaza in 25 years, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) 1 year and 1 month ago.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's chief, stated that the first round of the vaccination campaign concluded successfully. He emphasized the cooperation received during the required "humanitarian pauses," which allowed for uninterrupted vaccine distribution.

The campaign faced numerous obstacles due to the ongoing conflict, including access restrictions, evacuation orders, and fuel shortages. Despite these challenges, over 446,000 Palestinian children in central and south Gaza received vaccinations earlier this month. The final phase, targeting 200,000 children in north Gaza, began 1 year and 6 days ago.

"Parties to the conflict have largely respected the different required 'humanitarian pauses' showing that when there is a political will, assistance can be provided without disruption. Our next challenge is to provide children with their second dose at the end of September."

The success of this campaign is particularly noteworthy given the context of the ongoing conflict. The military campaign in Gaza, which started 1 year, 11 months, and 9 days ago, has resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. According to Gaza's health ministry, over 41,000 Palestinians have lost their lives as of the article's publication date.

This vaccination effort aligns with the global initiative to eradicate polio, which has seen remarkable progress since its launch in 1988. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has contributed to a 99% reduction in polio cases worldwide. However, outbreaks can still occur in areas with low vaccination coverage, making sustained immunization efforts crucial.

UNRWA's role extends beyond vaccination campaigns. The agency operates 275 schools in Gaza, serving over 290,000 students, and provides health services to more than 1.5 million refugees through 22 health centers. These efforts are particularly vital in the Gaza Strip, which faces numerous challenges, including one of the world's highest unemployment rates, exceeding 40%.

As the region prepares for the second round of vaccinations, scheduled for 11 months and 16 days ago, the international community watches closely. The success of this campaign demonstrates that even in the most challenging circumstances, with political will and cooperation, critical health initiatives can be implemented effectively.