UNICEF's Successful Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza Amidst Conflict

UNICEF's polio vaccination campaign in Gaza has successfully reached 189,000 children, surpassing its target despite nearly 11 months of war. The campaign, which aims to vaccinate a total of 640,000 children, was launched after Gaza reported its first polio case in 25 years. The initiative saw limited pauses in fighting between Israel and Hamas.

In a region marred by nearly 11 months of conflict, UNICEF's recent polio vaccination campaign in Gaza has emerged as a glimmer of hope. The UN children's agency announced that they reached 189,000 children, surpassing its original target.

This week, over 500 teams were deployed across central Gaza, administering the vaccine to children under the age of 10. Israel and Hamas observed limited truces to facilitate the humanitarian effort.

The initiative comes as a response to Gaza's first polio case in 25 years. UN agencies now plan to extend the campaign to more severely affected areas in the north and south, aiming to vaccinate 640,000 children altogether.

(With inputs from agencies.)