Polio Threatens Gaza Amidst Rising Conflict

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of a probable polio outbreak in Gaza, with the virus detected in sewage but no human cases reported yet. Mass vaccination efforts face challenges due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian access constraints. Polio remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Tuesday a probable polio outbreak in the Gaza Strip, a significant setback for global eradication efforts. Despite no reported human cases, Gaza's health ministry declared an epidemic after detecting the virus in sewage samples.

Polio, which remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan, risks resurgence worldwide if outbreaks aren't contained through mass vaccinations. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier highlighted the difficulty in detecting polio due to asymptomatic cases. An investigation in Gaza is ongoing.

A massive vaccination drive is underway, with the WHO sending over a million doses to Gaza. However, conflict-related disruptions have decreased vaccination rates, raising concerns about reaching vulnerable populations. Ongoing clashes have exacerbated health infrastructure challenges, complicating humanitarian efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)