UN and Gaza's Joint Vaccination Effort Amid Conflict

The UN, in partnership with Palestinian health authorities, has commenced a vaccination campaign for 640,000 children in Gaza amidst an 11-month conflict between Israel and Hamas. This effort requires temporary truces. WHO confirmed the first polio case in 25 years, adding urgency to the initiative.

The United Nations, working with Palestinian health authorities, has initiated a significant vaccination campaign targeting 640,000 children in Gaza. This comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has agreed to temporary pauses in fighting to facilitate the effort.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), last month marked the identification of the first polio case in the territory in 25 years, compelling the urgent vaccination drive. The campaign started on Sunday in central Gaza and will gradually expand to other areas this week. Brief truces are set for three consecutive days, each lasting at least eight hours, with a possibility of extending to a fourth day, making the first vaccination round nearly a two-week endeavor.

Children accompanied by family members gathered at the UN-run clinic in Deir Al-Balah city, where approximately one million individuals are seeking refuge. Medical personnel marked vaccinated children by pen on their fingers. Juliette Touma of UNRWA described the campaign as one of the most complex globally, emphasizing its critical nature. The ultimate success requires 90% of Gaza's children to be vaccinated twice in a course of four weeks despite ongoing warfare.

(With inputs from agencies.)