Gaza Launches Urgent Polio Vaccination Campaign for Children

In a significant public health initiative, the Gaza Strip has launched a new polio vaccination campaign aimed at protecting children from the disease. This comes in the wake of the first reported case of polio in 25 years, highlighting the urgent need for vaccination amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the Israel-Hamas conflict. The campaign, which began on Thursday, is particularly crucial as it targets the most vulnerable populations, including those living in makeshift shelters and tent camps.

During the campaign's second phase, children in Khan Yunis were seen receiving oral drops, with many proudly declaring, "I have been vaccinated." The visible ink on their fingers served as proof of their inoculation against polio. Parents, aware of the health risks posed by the current living conditions, have been proactive in bringing their children for vaccination. Amani Ashur, a father living in a tent near a sewage pond, expressed his concerns, stating, "I live in a tent next to a sewage pond with significant disease and epidemic issues." His one-year-old son, Abdul Rahman, was among those vaccinated, as Ashur sought to protect him from the diseases spreading in their environment.

Many families are facing dire circumstances, with overcrowded and unsanitary conditions exacerbating health risks. Safaa Al-Balbisi, a mother of two, shared her worries about her son Yahya, saying, "The war, lack of cleanliness, and living in tents and streets, along with the widespread sewage issues, have all contributed to the spread of diseases." This sentiment is echoed by numerous parents who are determined to safeguard their children’s health despite the challenges they face.

The vaccination drive is being supported by UN agencies, with the goal of vaccinating 200,000 children during this phase. Louise Wateridge, a spokeswoman for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the campaign aims to fully vaccinate over 640,000 children in Gaza. Majdi Dahir, the Gaza health ministry's technical director for the polio campaign, reported that the initial phases have exceeded expectations, which is a positive sign for the ongoing efforts.

However, challenges remain. Wateridge cautioned that reaching all children in the southern areas will be difficult due to the limited humanitarian zones established during the campaign. Despite a relative lull in fighting, families continue to live in fear, with reports of ongoing strikes. "One thing I noticed yesterday was, you know, going an hour without hearing a bomb, you notice that," Wateridge remarked, highlighting the precarious situation in which these families find themselves.

As the vaccination campaign progresses, it serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Gazan people in the face of adversity. The commitment of parents to protect their children from preventable diseases, even amidst chaos, underscores the critical importance of public health initiatives in conflict zones. It is essential for the international community to support these efforts, ensuring that every child has access to life-saving vaccinations, thereby paving the way for a healthier future.