Polio Vaccination Campaign Set To Resume In Northern Gaza Despite Access Challenges

The third phase of a polio vaccination campaign is scheduled to commence in the northern Gaza Strip. Initially planned for 23 October 2024, it was delayed due to restricted access, heavy bombardment, and mass evacuation orders. These conditions prevented families from safely vaccinating their children, as stated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

"The humanitarian pause necessary to conduct the campaign has been assured; however, the area of the pause has been substantially reduced compared to the first round of vaccination in northern Gaza, conducted in September 2024. It is now limited to just Gaza City," the statement said.

Approximately 15,000 children under ten years old in towns like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun remain unreachable. This limitation affects the campaign's effectiveness. To stop poliovirus transmission, at least 90% of children in each community must be vaccinated. Achieving this target is difficult under current circumstances.

Despite these challenges, the Polio Technical Committee for Gaza has decided to proceed with the campaign. The aim is to minimise delays in vaccinating as many children as possible. This includes those recently evacuated to Gaza City from other northern areas.

The current phase follows successful earlier phases in central and southern Gaza. These phases reached 451,216 children, achieving 96% of the target population there. Additionally, during this round, 364,306 children aged between two and ten years have received vitamin A supplements.

The humanitarian pause required for this campaign has been confirmed but is now limited only to Gaza City. This reduction contrasts with September's broader pause during the first vaccination round in northern Gaza.

Although access remains limited for all eligible children in northern Gaza, efforts continue to vaccinate those who can be reached. The focus is on mitigating risks associated with prolonged delays and ensuring that evacuated children receive vaccinations.

This initiative highlights ongoing efforts to protect children's health despite challenging conditions. The commitment remains strong to reach as many young ones as possible with essential vaccines.

With inputs from WAM