The United Nations agencies, WHO and UNICEF, have ramped up efforts to tackle the polio resurgence in the conflict-stricken Gaza Strip. Following the eradication of polio in the area 25 years ago, the recent outbreak, exacerbated by ongoing conflict, has led to an urgent vaccination campaign. With robust micro-plans in place, the initiative is poised to address the challenges posed by security issues and population displacement after September’s first phase.
Beginning in September and supported by over 200 standby teams, the campaign faced delays due to Israeli airstrikes and ground clashes. Despite these setbacks, the initiative resumed with 216 teams set to deliver vaccines across 106 sites, augmented by 22 new locations to accommodate displaced populations. However, constraints remain, with officials concerned about reaching approximately 119,000 children under 10 years old in northern Gaza for a second dose of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2).
Despite access challenges, the Polio Technical Committee for Gaza has pushed forward to minimize delays and vaccinate as many children as possible, especially those newly evacuated to Gaza City. Extended humanitarian pauses, now running from 6 am to 4 pm, aim to facilitate vaccine delivery, alongside vitamin A supplements for children aged 2 to 10 to boost immunity.
The campaign has seen successes in central and southern Gaza, achieving 96% of its target by reaching 451,216 children. Yet, the agencies warn that any delay in administering the second vaccine dose within a six-week window can weaken immunity, heightening the risk of further outbreaks in Gaza and beyond. To stem the virus’s transmission, at least 90% of children in every community must be vaccinated, a substantial challenge amid ongoing conflicts.
Original Story https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/11/1156441
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