Gaza Receives 1 Million Polio Vaccines from WHO for Child Immunization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is dispatching more than one million polio vaccines to Gaza in an urgent effort to prevent the spread of the virus among children. This initiative follows the detection of polio in sewage samples, as announced by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Although no polio cases have been recorded yet, Tedros emphasized the necessity of swift action. "Without immediate action, it is just a matter of time before it reaches the thousands of children who have been left unprotected," he wrote in an opinion piece for The Guardian. Children under five, particularly infants under two, are at the highest risk due to disrupted vaccination campaigns caused by over nine months of conflict.

Poliomyelitis, primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, is a highly infectious virus that can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. Global efforts, including mass vaccination campaigns, have led to a 99% reduction in polio cases since 1988. However, continued vigilance and vaccination are essential to eradicate the disease completely.

In response to the polio threat, Israel's military announced plans to offer polio vaccines to soldiers stationed in Gaza. This measure follows the detection of the virus in test samples within the enclave.

The health crisis in Gaza extends beyond polio. The UN recently reported an increase in cases of Hepatitis A, dysentery, and gastroenteritis due to deteriorating sanitary conditions. Sewage spills have been reported near camps for displaced people, exacerbating the health risks for the population.

WHO's commitment to safeguarding children's health in Gaza underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing public health emergencies. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on global health initiatives and efforts to protect vulnerable populations.