Urgent Polio Vaccination Campaign Kicks Off as Gaza Faces Health Crisis
Gaza is witnessing a significant public health intervention as a mass polio vaccination campaign begins, aiming to immunise over 600,000 children amid a fragile pause in hostilities. This critical effort, backed by the UNRWA and the World Health Organization (WHO), comes as the region grapples with a resurgence of the highly contagious disease.
Background on Gaza’s Health Crisis
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Polio’s Return: Polio, a disease that affects the nervous system and can cause severe paralysis, has made a troubling return to Gaza. The last confirmed case was reported in August, marking the first instance in 25 years. The resurgence is linked to a dramatic drop in vaccination rates, which fell from 99% to 86% due to ongoing conflict.
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Impact of War: The conflict in Gaza has devastated vital infrastructure, including water, sanitation, and health systems. The war has exacerbated the spread of diseases like polio, further complicating efforts to manage the health crisis.
Details of the Vaccination Campaign
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Campaign Launch: The vaccination drive began on Sunday morning. Despite sporadic gunfire, which occurred shortly after the campaign’s start time, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people flocked to health centres, mobile clinics, and vaccination tents across central Gaza.
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Temporary Cease-Fire: The campaign is being conducted during a limited humanitarian pause in the fighting. UNRWA’s Louise Wateridge reported that while the cease-fire held through the morning, a longer-term cease-fire is needed to ensure the continued delivery of aid and to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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WHO and UNRWA Involvement: The WHO has emphasised that the vaccination campaign is a race against time. They plan to use the limited humanitarian pauses to reach the 640,000 children under ten years old. UNRWA has mobilised over 200 staff members to administer vaccines across 28 sites in central Gaza.
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Israeli Government’s Role: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the creation of a “humanitarian corridor” for vaccination personnel. This measure is aimed at facilitating the safe administration of vaccines, though it does not signify a broader cessation of hostilities.
The Importance of Vaccination
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Polio Transmission: Polio spreads primarily through oral transmission or via contaminated feces. Many infected individuals show no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms, which can unknowingly spread the virus further. Vaccination is crucial in preventing outbreaks and halting the disease’s spread.
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Historical Context: The polio vaccine has been available since 1955, yet Gaza’s recent war conditions have led to its re-emergence. The urgent vaccination effort is key to stopping the disease and protecting vulnerable children.
Additional Developments
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Hostage Recovery: In a related update, the Israeli Defense Forces reported the recovery of six hostages from Gaza, including Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The hostages were found deceased in an underground tunnel in Rafah.
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Recent Violence: Violence continues in the region, with three Israeli police officers killed near a checkpoint in the West Bank. Unrest also persists in Jenin, where Israeli forces reportedly killed 15 militants.
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Cease-Fire Efforts: U.S. President Joe Biden remains optimistic about reaching a cease-fire agreement. Negotiations are ongoing, with efforts to close the deal being pursued despite the ongoing violence.
Conclusion
The ongoing mass polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is a critical response to a worsening health crisis. As the region battles both disease and conflict, international support and temporary cease-fires are crucial for ensuring the health and safety of Gaza’s children. Continued humanitarian efforts and long-term solutions are necessary to address the root causes of both the disease and the ongoing conflict.
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