Mass Polio Vaccination Campaign Launched Amid Devastating Gaza Conflict

Palestinian health authorities and United Nations agencies have commenced a large-scale polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The program aims to reach 640,000 children and faces significant challenges, including fighting, infrastructural damage, and widespread displacement. The initiative aims to curb the spread of polio, which recently re-emerged in Gaza after a 25-year absence.

In a bid to prevent a polio outbreak in the embattled Gaza Strip, Palestinian health authorities and United Nations agencies have launched an extensive vaccination campaign.

The initiative, which began on Saturday with a limited number of vaccinations, aims to reach approximately 640,000 children, focusing first on central Gaza before extending to northern and southern areas. The campaign comes amidst a backdrop of intensified conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Despite the challenges, such as ongoing hostilities and decimated infrastructure, health officials are determined to continue the program through September. The World Health Organization has confirmed Israel's agreement to temporary ceasefires to facilitate vaccinations, although initial reports indicated that the fighting resumed Sunday afternoon.

(With inputs from agencies.)