What It’s About
The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) announced that the polio vaccination coverage in Gaza has reached an impressive 90%, and the next step is to ensure hundreds of thousands more children receive a second dose by the end of the month.
Why It Matters
With approximately 640,000 children under the age of 10 targeted for vaccination against polio in Gaza, the campaign’s success amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is significant. This vaccination drive was especially urgent following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) confirmation of a type 2 polio virus case in a baby — the first in 25 years in the Palestinian territory.
The Big Picture
More than 446,000 children in central and southern Gaza were vaccinated earlier this month. Despite challenges such as access restrictions, evacuation orders, and fuel shortages, the campaign to vaccinate the remaining 200,000 children in northern Gaza, which started on September 10, proceeded successfully.
What They’re Saying
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini lauded the successful completion of the first vaccination round, stating, “Parties to the conflict have largely respected the required ‘humanitarian pauses’, showing that with political will, assistance can be provided without disruption.” He further emphasized the need for the second dose administration later this month.
Israeli Impact
On Friday, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Defense Ministry body that oversees Israeli policy in Gaza and the West Bank, confirmed that 559,000 children were vaccinated. Thanks were extended to WHO and UNICEF, underscoring Israel’s supportive role. COGAT noted that it would continue working with partners to assist the civilian population in Gaza with humanitarian medical responses.
Key Cooperative Efforts
COGAT and international partners like WHO and UNICEF played crucial roles in facilitating the smooth-running campaign. This collective effort highlighted that humanitarian assistance can transcend geopolitical conflicts when there is a collaborative will.
Looking Ahead
The main challenge ahead is ensuring children get their second dose at the end of September to fully protect them against polio. The commitment shown by various entities, including Israeli cooperation and international organizations’ on-ground efforts, signal hope for future healthcare initiatives in conflict zones.
A child receives a vaccination for polio in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on September 4, 2024. (Eyad BABA / AFP)
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.