United Nations and Palestinian Authorities Launch Massive Vaccination Campaign in Gaza Amid Temporary Ceasefires

The United Nations, in collaboration with Palestinian health authorities, began vaccinating 640,000 children in Gaza amid an ongoing conflict with brief ceasefires facilitated by Israel and Hamas. The campaign aims to curb polio, with the first phase underway. WHO stresses the critical need for extensive vaccinations despite significant challenges.

The United Nations, in collaboration with Palestinian health authorities, launched a groundbreaking initiative on Sunday to vaccinate 640,000 children in the Gaza Strip. The campaign occurs amid an 11-month conflict, with brief truces agreed upon by Israel and Hamas to ensure its success.

Last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the first type 2 polio case in Gaza in 25 years, involving a baby who was partially paralyzed. The vaccination drive began in central Gaza and will expand throughout the region. Fighting will halt for at least eight hours each day over three consecutive days.

WHO emphasized that the campaign would likely need a fourth day to cover the first round of vaccinations within two weeks. UNRWA Communications Director Juliette Touma highlighted the effort's complexity, describing it as 'a race against time' to protect vulnerable children. Israel and Hamas have pledged to cooperate for the campaign's success, despite the conflict's devastating impact on Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies.)