Mumbai, 03, Sep, 2024: The United Nations has launched a vital polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, targeting the immunization of approximately 640,000 children amidst ongoing conflict. The campaign, which commenced on Sunday, successfully administered vaccines to around 87,000 children on its first day. The focus is now shifting to the southern regions of the Gaza Strip, with all initial doses scheduled to be administered by September 12th.
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Logistical and Operational Hurdles
The operation heavily relies on temporary ceasefires, crucial for ensuring the safe distribution of vaccines. Rick Peppercorn, the WHO representative for the West Bank and Gaza, detailed the campaign’s complexities. The initiative is divided into three zones—central, southern, and northern Gaza—with each zone receiving vaccinations over a four-day period, repeated in four weeks.
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Peppercorn highlighted the campaign’s significant achievements despite challenging conditions. The initial phase saw nearly 87,000 children vaccinated, reflecting strong community engagement and support for the initiative.
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Ongoing Challenges and Requests
The success of the campaign depends on the continuation of humanitarian pauses. Any disruption could jeopardize the campaign’s goals and erode public trust. Peppercorn stressed the importance of sustained ceasefires to prevent further spread of polio and protect regional health.
The broader health situation in Gaza remains dire, with recent missions underscoring the need for improved access to medical supplies and safe patient evacuation routes. The conflict complicates these efforts, making the work of health teams increasingly hazardous.
As the UN’s polio vaccination drive progresses, the focus is on overcoming logistical challenges and ensuring the safety of vaccination teams. The campaign offers hope in a challenging environment, with the goal of achieving high vaccination coverage to protect children and prevent the disease’s spread. Continued international support and cooperation are crucial for the campaign’s success.
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For more updates on the vaccination campaign and related health issues in Gaza, stay tuned to our coverage.
