Polio Campaign Critically Threatened Amidst Violence in Gaza

A renewed polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza faces significant obstacles due to the ongoing conflict. UNICEF reported that the second round of the campaign, aimed at inoculating 119,000 children, had to be delayed multiple times due to the "extremely harsh conditions" created by the Israeli attacks.

"This polio campaign is critical, but while we protect children with vaccines, they will continue to die and suffer each day until there is a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, which is needed more urgently than ever,” said UNRWA, the agency for Palestinian refugees.

The situation in parts of northern Gaza has been described as “apocalyptic” by the UN as Israel continues to block humanitarian aid and continues to launch attacks from the ground, air and sea.

Multiple air strikes were reported in the north on Saturday, with one of the latest in the afternoon killing at least two people in Jabalia’s Naza area.

While UNICEF teams are working across 106 fixed sites, including locations for newly displaced Palestinians, access constraints put the inoculation target in jeopardy. The devastation of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure poses a serious threat to eradicating the disease, which was last recorded in the region 25 years ago.

Strike Hits Vaccination Centre

Tragically, a polio vaccination centre in Gaza City was struck later on Saturday, injuring six people, including four children, according to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

— UNICEF Palestine (@UNICEFpalestine) November 2, 2024

“The Sheikh Radwan primary health care centre in northern Gaza was struck today while parents were bringing their children to the life-saving polio vaccination in an area where a humanitarian pause was agreed to allow vaccination to proceed,” said Ghebreyesus, without attributing the strike.

Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, said the centre was targeted with a sound bomb by an Israeli quadcopter.

“Thousands of children are expected to miss out on the vaccine as Israeli attacks and troops are hindering authorities from reaching some areas in the north,” Khoudary said.

Urgent Action Needed

The plight of Gaza’s children is critical as the ongoing violence makes it increasingly difficult to access essential healthcare services.

Please consider supporting organizations providing aid and protection to vulnerable families in Gaza. Donate and spread awareness about this humanitarian crisis.