First Polio Case in Gaza in 25 Years: Urgent Call for Vaccination Amidst Conflict
A 10-month-old baby in Gaza has been paralyzed by type 2 polio, marking the first case in 25 years. U.N. agencies are urgently appealing for a seven-day humanitarian pause for vaccinations. The situation is critical due to damaged health infrastructure and a high risk of disease outbreaks.
A 10-month-old baby in war-torn Gaza has been paralyzed by type 2 polio, the first case in 25 years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. U.N. agencies urgently call for vaccinations for every child in Gaza.
The cVDPV2 virus, responsible for recent outbreaks in regions with low vaccination rates, has led U.N. agencies to request a humanitarian pause in Gaza's ongoing conflict for a vaccination campaign.
"Polio does not distinguish between Palestinian and Israeli children," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). The WHO plans two vaccination campaigns in August and September 2024. Damaged health services and poor sanitation leave Gaza's population particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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