Israeli airstrikes force delay of polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza

Although all logistics, supplies and trained human resources for this round of vaccination campaign are ready to vaccinate children in northern Gaza with the second dose of the new oral polio vaccine, only Gaza City has been granted a temporary humanitarian pause, which means that many children in northern Gaza may miss the opportunity to be vaccinated.

Polio cases reappear in Gaza

Gaza reported its first case of polio earlier this year since it was successfully eradicated 25 years ago, one of the most severe consequences of the year-long war and siege on the region. The conflict has blocked aid deliveries to the Strip, restricted and damaged critical water and sanitation services, and madeshift shelters overcrowded due to frequent Israeli evacuation orders.

WHO and its partners responded quickly and launched a vaccination campaign aimed at stopping the spread of the virus. To ensure the virus is effectively controlled, at least 90% of children in every community and neighbourhood need to be vaccinated.

The WHO warned that if a large number of children missed their second dose of vaccination, it would seriously jeopardize efforts to control the spread of the virus and could lead to more cases in Gaza and surrounding countries.