UN Launches Vaccination Campaign to Protect Palestinian Children in Gaza Against Polio
In response to the first polio case reported in Gaza in 25 years, the World Health Organization, along with partners, will carry out a campaign to vaccinate 640,000 Palestinian children under 10. The aim is to protect them from the potentially devastating effects of the disease, which can cause paralysis or death.
The vaccination effort faces major challenges due to the ongoing war in Gaza, which has destroyed much of the healthcare system and infrastructure. However, an agreement with Israel has been reached to allow for limited pauses in the fighting to administer the vaccine. The campaign will take place in central, southern, and northern Gaza over three days.
Over 1.3 million doses of the vaccine have already arrived in Gaza and are stored in the correct temperature to maintain potency. An additional 400,000 doses are expected to be delivered soon. The vaccines will be distributed via fixed healthcare sites and community gathering points.
While the campaign presents logistical challenges due to the damaged road network and healthcare facilities in Gaza, WHO believes it is feasible with the right resources in place. Children in Gaza will receive two oral polio vaccine doses, with the second given four weeks after the first. It is crucial that children receive all doses to be fully protected against polio.
Despite rare side effects, the oral polio vaccine is considered safe and effective. This outbreak in Gaza is linked to a mutated virus from the vaccine. The campaign aims to prevent further spread of the disease and protect vulnerable Palestinian children.
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