Additional Coverage:
Polio Vaccination Campaign Resumes in Gaza Amidst Israeli Airstrikes
Over 58,600 children in northern Gaza have received the final polio vaccine dose. However, the campaign faces challenges due to Israeli airstrikes and restricted access to some areas.
The vaccination campaign was initially postponed in northern Gaza due to safety concerns, but resumed over the weekend in Gaza City. However, Israeli officials have only agreed to pauses in fighting in Gaza City, making it difficult to reach children in other areas.
Around 15,000 children in northern areas beyond Gaza City still need a second dose, compromising the effectiveness of the campaign. The goal was to vaccinate 119,000 children, but this may now be unlikely.
Airstrikes Near Polio Vaccine Center
Despite the pause in fighting, airstrikes reportedly struck near a polio vaccine center in Gaza City. Six people, including four children, were injured. The Israeli military denies conducting operations in the area.
In a separate incident, a UNICEF staff member’s car was targeted by gunfire, further endangering vaccination efforts.
Challenges to Polio Eradication
The success of the vaccination campaign depends on humanitarian pauses in fighting. Over 590,000 children have received the first dose, and 451,000 in central and southern Gaza have received the second dose.
The polio virus was detected in Gaza’s wastewater over the summer, and a baby was diagnosed with the disease for the first time in 25 years.