WHO launches polio vaccination campaign in Gaza on September

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the initiation of a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, set to begin on the 1st of September. This effort aims to combat the spread of polio among children under the age of ten.

A Two-Phase Approach to Combat Polio

Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, outlined the campaign’s structure. “The campaign will consist of two rounds, during each of which WHO, in collaboration with UNRWA, UNICEF, and the Palestinian Ministry of Health, will administer two doses of the new oral polio vaccine to over 640,000 children,” he said. Peeperkorn emphasized the critical goal of achieving a 90% vaccination and coverage rate in each round to halt the disease’s spread in Gaza and prevent its international transmission.

Challenges and Strategic Extensions

Peeperkorn added that, based on the organization’s experience, the three-day duration of each vaccination phase might not suffice to achieve adequate immunization coverage due to security issues, infrastructure damage, and population displacement. The WHO plans to closely monitor the campaign’s execution and is prepared to extend it by a day or more if necessary.

Humanitarian Ceasefire and Safe Access

There is a preliminary commitment to halt fighting for humanitarian reasons in specific areas during the campaign hours, from 9 AM to 3 PM over three days. This ceasefire aims to ensure children and families can safely access health facilities for polio vaccination.

The WHO’s initiative in Gaza represents a critical step towards eradicating polio in the region and preventing its spread on a global scale. The success of this campaign is pivotal for the health and safety of children in Gaza and beyond.

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