Mass Polio Vaccination Targets 600,000 Children in Gaza

A third mass polio vaccination campaign has been launched in Gaza, aiming to immunize nearly 600,000 children against the virus after its detection in wastewater samples, indicating ongoing circulation. The campaign, set to run from February 22 to 26, is a collaborative effort involving the Palestinian Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, and UNRWA, with over 1,700 UNRWA team members participating. This initiative follows two previous vaccination drives in late 2024, as polio resurfaced in Gaza for the first time in over 20 years due to deteriorating water and sanitation conditions exacerbated by prolonged conflict and blockade. With the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, health officials are concerned that increased population movement may facilitate further virus spread. The WHO has emphasized the critical need for vaccinations to protect children under five, who are most vulnerable to the disease. Local residents, like Bassam Al Haou, are hopeful for stability and are bringing their children to receive the vaccine amidst the humanitarian crisis in the region.