Intense bombardments, mass displacements and lack of access in northern Gaza force the postponement of polio vaccination campaign
The Polio Technical Committee for Gaza, which includes the Palestinian Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, UNRWA, and other partners, has postponed the third phase of a polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza due to escalating violence and unsafe conditions. This phase was set to vaccinate 119,279 children with a second dose of the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) following a previous round conducted in September 2024.
Ongoing attacks have made it unsafe for families and health workers, jeopardizing vaccination efforts. The already limited area approved for humanitarian pauses further restricts access, leaving many children without necessary vaccinations. To effectively interrupt poliovirus transmission, at least 90% of children in each community must be vaccinated, and timely administration is crucial for boosting immunity.
Since the second round of the campaign began on October 14, 2024, 442,855 children have been vaccinated in central and southern Gaza. WHO and UNICEF emphasize the need for humanitarian pauses to facilitate access to vaccination efforts and protect civilians and health infrastructure. According to the WHO, the interruption of poliovirus transmission is vital for preventing outbreaks and protecting future generations. They stress that delays in administering the vaccine can have severe consequences, potentially leading to increased paralysis among children and further spread of the virus, not only within Gaza but also to neighboring regions.
WHO and UNICEF are calling for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians, health workers, and critical infrastructure and urgently renew their demand for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the continuation of essential health services and the safety of all children at risk of poliovirus infection.
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