Gaza Baby Paralysed by Mutated Polio: A Failure of Public Health Policy

In Gaza, a 10-month-old baby was paralysed by polio due to a mutated strain from a vaccine. Scientists blame the case on failed public health policies, highlighting deficiencies in the global eradication effort led by the WHO. The incident underscores the risks of using oral polio vaccines in under-immunised communities.

In a stark manifestation of policy failure, a baby in Gaza has been paralysed by a mutated strain of polio derived from an oral vaccine's live virus. Experts claim this incident is reflective of deeper shortcomings in global public health initiatives aimed at eradicating the disease.

This paralytic case, the first in Gaza in over 25 years, underscores the gap in vaccinations due to prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has left thousands of children unvaccinated. The mutated virus, originally part of an oral vaccine, showcases how decisions in vaccine strategies can backfire, especially in conflict zones.

The WHO and its partners have been criticised for underestimating such risks. The decision to switch vaccine strains without adequate preparedness led to vaccine-linked polio outbreaks in 43 countries. With new rounds of vaccination planned, experts urge a reconsideration of current strategies to better protect vulnerable populations.

(With inputs from agencies.)