UN to Implement Humanitarian Pauses for Polio Vaccinations in Gaza

The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) announced humanitarian pauses in Gaza to administer polio vaccinations after a baby contracted the disease. The campaign will start Sunday in central Gaza and proceed to southern and northern areas, aiming to vaccinate 640,000 children under 10. Coordination has been done with Israeli authorities.

The United Nations World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on Thursday that it will implement limited pauses in fighting in Gaza to administer polio vaccinations. This move comes after a baby contracted the first confirmed case of polio in 25 years in the Palestinian territory.

Described as "humanitarian pauses," the effort will span three days in different regions of the war-stricken territory. The vaccination drive will begin Sunday in central Gaza, followed by subsequent pauses in southern and northern Gaza, according to Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the Palestinian territories. Additional days might be required to complete the vaccination campaign.

WHO aims to vaccinate 640,000 children under the age of 10, and the campaign has been coordinated with Israeli authorities to ensure the smooth execution of this vital health initiative.

(With inputs from agencies.)