Palestinian Health Authorities Launch Large-Scale Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza Amid War

Palestinian health authorities and the United Nations have initiated a large-scale polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, aiming to vaccinate 640,000 children to prevent an outbreak. Israel has agreed to pauses in fighting to facilitate the effort. The campaign faces numerous challenges, from ongoing conflict to devastated infrastructure.

Palestinian health authorities and United Nations agencies on Sunday commenced a large-scale polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip, aiming to prevent an outbreak in the war-torn territory.

The campaign focuses initially on central Gaza until Wednesday, with plans to extend to the more devastated northern and southern regions, targeting approximately 640,000 children.

According to the World Health Organisation, Israel has agreed to limited fighting pauses to support the vaccination efforts. Hospitals in Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat have confirmed that the campaign started on Sunday.

The urgency of the campaign grew after the first polio case in 25 years was reported—a 10-month-old boy now paralysed in his leg. WHO warns this case may indicate hundreds of asymptomatic infections.

Challenges abound, including ongoing conflict, destroyed roads, and compromised hospitals, as 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million population remain displaced. WHO reported an agreement with Israel for limited pauses in conflict to allow vaccinations, continuing through September 9 for eight hours daily.

(With inputs from agencies.)