As the Gaza Strip teeters on the brink of a polio outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are urging all parties to the conflict to observe humanitarian pauses to allow for a critical vaccination campaign. Two rounds of polio vaccinations are set to take place in late August and September, targeting over 640,000 children under ten years old.
The campaign comes after the detection of circulating variant type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV2) in environmental samples and reports of suspected acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases. With over 1.6 million doses of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) en route to the Gaza Strip, the success of the campaign hinges on the ability to reach eligible children amidst the ongoing conflict.
WHO, UNICEF, and partners have finalized detailed plans to support vaccinators and social mobilizers, with 708 teams and 2700 health workers set to administer vaccinations across the Gaza Strip. However, the delivery of vaccines and cold chain equipment must be facilitated at every step to ensure timely reception.
The campaign’s success requires at least 95% vaccination coverage during each round, as well as sufficient cash, fuel, and functional telecommunication networks. The re-emergence of polio in the Gaza Strip, which has been polio-free for 25 years, poses a significant threat to children in the region. A ceasefire remains the only way to ensure public health security.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
