UN launches 2nd round of polio vaccination campaign in Gaza amid conflict

The United Nations is set to begin the second round of its polio vaccination campaign in Gaza on Monday, targeting approximately 590,000 children under 10.

The campaign, led by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, alongside UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), comes as a response to the increased risk of polio following the destruction of water and sanitation systems in the region.

Challenges due to conflict

The vaccination campaign faces significant hurdles due to the ongoing conflict, with relief workers reporting challenges in reaching northern Gaza. Israeli evacuation orders, road damage from bombardments, and fuel shortages have complicated the campaign’s rollout.

The U.N. has emphasized that humanitarian pauses are essential for the success of this initiative.

High coverage targeted

The first round of vaccinations, completed last month, successfully reached over 560,000 children, achieving more than 90% of the targeted coverage. Before the war, Gaza had near-universal polio vaccine coverage, but it has since dropped below 90%, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of the highly contagious disease.

Polio: A deadly threat to children

Polio primarily affects children under 5 years old and can lead to permanent paralysis or death. The only method of prevention is immunization, as there is no cure for the disease. The U.N., WHO, and UNICEF are working to ensure that children in Gaza are protected amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.