Written by Alice Njoki.
Over 590,000 children in Gaza will receive polio vaccinations starting February 22, 2025. This campaign is crucial as many children have missed routine immunizations due to ongoing conflict and restrictions on medical supplies. The polio virus has reappeared in Gaza for the first time in 25 years, with a 10-month-old baby becoming paralyzed after contracting the disease.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza, along with organizations like Save the Children, WHO, and UNICEF, is leading this effort to ensure that children under 10 receive the necessary vaccines to protect them from polio.
This five-day vaccination initiative aims to provide multiple doses of the polio vaccine to develop effective immunity among children. It marks the third round of vaccinations in seven months, with previous campaigns reaching over 558,000 and 556,000 children.
The campaign will take place at health centers in Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis. These areas have been severely affected by conflict and destruction, making it difficult for health workers to reach every child. Many families are living in makeshift shelters, adding to the challenges faced by healthcare providers.
The timing of this campaign is critical as it begins on February 22 and will last for five days. This effort follows a pause in hostilities that has allowed for better access to healthcare services.
The urgent need for this vaccination campaign stems from the vulnerability of children in Gaza to preventable diseases like polio due to malnutrition and stress from ongoing violence. Without immediate action, thousands of children could face life-threatening consequences.
As Ahmad Alhendawi from Save the Children stated, while this vaccination effort is a vital step forward, it cannot address all the challenges faced by children in Gaza. A lasting solution requires urgent funding and a definitive ceasefire to ensure the health and safety of future generations.