UN to Launch Critical Polio Vaccination Campaign Amid Gaza Conflict

The United Nations is set to initiate a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, facing numerous challenges due to ongoing conflict. The campaign aims to vaccinate at least 90% of children in the enclave, with three-day pauses in fighting arranged to facilitate operations. Over 1.2 million vaccine doses have already been delivered.

United Nations officials are gearing up to launch a vital polio vaccination campaign in Gaza this Sunday, relying on brief pauses in fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that at least 90% of Gaza's children must be vaccinated for the campaign to be successful. However, significant challenges persist in the war-torn enclave.

With 1.2 million vaccine doses already delivered, the campaign aims to vaccinate over 640,000 children. An additional 400,000 doses are en route, according to Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO's representative for the occupied Palestinian territories. Organized truce periods, separate from ongoing negotiations to halt hostilities, will be crucial for the campaign.

COGAT, the Israeli agency responsible for coordinating administration in the Palestinian territories, confirms that these humanitarian pauses have been periodically implemented since October. Both the Israeli military and Hamas have agreed to three zoned, three-day pauses to facilitate the vaccination drive. The WHO noted that extra days might be needed due to logistical and security challenges. Gaza's ravaged healthcare infrastructure, with only 17 out of 36 hospitals operational, adds to the complexities.

(With inputs from agencies.)