WHO to launch mass polio vaccination campaign in Gaza

A Palestinian child receives a polio vaccination as a part of the second phase of the polio vaccination campaign resumed today after being postponed for about a month due to the Israeli army’s attacks in the northern Gaza Strip and Gaza City, on November 02, 2024 [Dawoud Abo Alkas – Anadolu Agency]

The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on Wednesday that a mass polio vaccination campaign will begin in Gaza on Saturday, targeting over 591,000 children under the age of 10. The announcement was made by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on social media.

The WHO official explained that the campaign follows the recent detection of the polio virus in wastewater samples, indicating its circulation in the environment and posing a risk to children.

“We welcome the ceasefire, which is enabling us to conduct the campaign. We continue to urge for a lasting ceasefire that leads to long-term peace,” he said, emphasising support from the WHO, UNICEF and other partners.

Polio, a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis, primarily affects children under five. The WHO and its partners have been working to prevent its spread through vaccination efforts in conflict-affected regions.

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