Gaza: Successful start of vaccination against polio - 187,000 children protected

Gaza: Successful start of vaccination against polio - 187,000 children protected

In the Gaza Strip, an important vaccination campaign against Polio has started, which made important progress in the middle of a continuing conflict. In the first three days, over 187,000 children under the age of ten were vaccinated, which exceeded the original target of 156,500. This initiative is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef and represents a glimmer of hope for the region.

It is particularly noteworthy that the agreed break from fighting has been observed during the vaccination campaign. The WHO boss Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was positive about the progress on the communication platform X. In the coming days, the vaccinations at four locations in the center of the Gaza Strip, including in the cities of Deir Al-Balah and Nuseirat, are to be continued.

important steps in the campaign

From Thursday, the vaccination campaign will also begin in the southern regions of the area, with the aim of reaching a total of 340,000 children. The background to this quick and necessary intervention is alarming: The first case of Polio has recently been documented in the region for 25 years when an eleven -month -old baby was affected. This situation is particularly critical, since the disease was caused by vaccine-derived polioviruses, against which it is now fully vaccinated.

The UNICEF regional director Adele Khodr described the efforts as a “rare bright spot” in the middle of despair. Despite the challenges that are characterized by dangerous conditions such as looting and damaged streets, many families have managed to get to the vaccination centers. "It is one of the most dangerous and difficult vaccination campaigns in the world," continued Khodr.

The WHO has clearly communicated that at least 90 percent of the children have to be vaccinated to prevent the polioviruses from spreading further. In addition, all vaccinated four weeks after the first dose must receive a second dose to ensure immunity.

This vaccination campaign in Gaza is not only a medical necessity, but also an act of hope. Despite the adverse circumstances, it shows the Engagement of the international community to help the suffering children in the region. The path remains challenging, but the previous successes could be decisive in the long term to protect the children in Gaza from the endangerment by polio.