Gaza polio vaccinations to resume Saturday after delay, agencies report

Polio vaccinations in Gaza, delayed due to recent unrest, will resume on Saturday, health agencies report. The program aims to protect children against polio and prevent potential outbreaks in the region. Health organizations are coordinating efforts to ensure the campaign proceeds smoothly, prioritizing the safety and well-being of Gaza’s youth amidst ongoing challenges.

The third phase of Gaza's delayed polio vaccination campaign is set to begin Saturday, aid organizations announced on Friday, after disruptions caused by Israeli airstrikes, widespread displacement, and restricted access.

The campaign initially launched on September 1, following confirmation from the World Health Organization (WHO) in August that a baby had been partially paralyzed by type 2 polio—the first such case in Gaza in 25 years.

Though a humanitarian pause was agreed upon to conduct the vaccinations, WHO and UNICEF noted that the area covered by the agreement has been significantly reduced from the previous pause in September, now limited to Gaza City only.

This final phase had intended to provide a second dose of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to an estimated 119,000 children under 10 in northern Gaza. However, due to limited access, meeting this goal now appears unlikely, the statement added.

COGAT, the Israeli army’s Palestinian civilian affairs agency, stated it is working to coordinate the three-day campaign, with plans to review the situation after its conclusion to determine if the schedule needs extension. "This coordination will ensure the population can safely reach medical centers for vaccinations," the agency said in a statement.

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Source: Reuters‍