In brief
The final phase of Gaza's polio vaccination campaign has restarted in the north after a significant delay, exacerbated by conflict. Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis, efforts continue to tackle the polio outbreak that left a child paralyzed while many in vulnerable areas remain unreachable for vaccinations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has kicked off the final stage of its polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza, after disruptions caused by intense bombardments and humanitarian challenges. This comes in light of over 442,000 children in central and southern Gaza receiving their second vaccine doses last month. The resumption of immunizations follows a humanitarian pause to facilitate the program's progress.A resurgence of polio was recorded in Gaza, with the first case in 25 years occurring in August, resulting in paralysis for a baby boy. This outbreak underscored the importance of vaccination, prompting the WHO to initiate a concerted campaign lasting three days.However, the current situation remains dire, with 15,000 children under 10 in areas such as Jabalia and Beit Hanoun still deemed “inaccessible” for vaccinations. The WHO acknowledges this limits their effectiveness and may thwart efforts to halt disease transmission—a minimum of 90% vaccination coverage is required to interrupt the spread of polio.Previously, the first phase of the vaccination campaign successfully reached 559,000 children across Gaza through localized humanitarian pauses. Still, goals for the new phase have been curtailed, reflecting significantly reduced safe areas for continuity.Currently, humanitarian agencies describe the circumstances in northern Gaza as "apocalyptic." A massive Israeli military operation initiated in October prompted mass displacement, with over 100,000 people fleeing towards Gaza City. Ongoing strikes have reportedly led to hundreds of civilian casualties, amplifying the area’s instability and humanitarian crises.The urgency of the situation has drawn the attention of international actors, including the United States, which has urged Israel to bolster humanitarian aid amid rising tensions. Israel's military operations, triggered by attacks from Hamas, have resulted in widespread devastation and have reportedly claimed over 43,300 lives in Gaza alone.The WHO cautions that continued delays in vaccination efforts due to access constraints pose a significant risk of further disease outbreaks, with the overall health situation in northern Gaza rapidly deteriorating.
