Polio vaccination campaign in Gaza

In light of the current crisis, the campaign’s timing is critical. The territory’s health ministry announced that the vaccination efforts will start in central Gaza and last for three days before extending to other areas. United Nations officials have raised concerns that the Israeli offensive and related evacuation orders in northern Gaza could disrupt this vital health initiative. Previous efforts to vaccinate children were hindered due to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for humanitarian pauses to ensure the safety and accessibility of vaccination for hundreds of thousands of children at risk. The campaign is a response to the urgent need to combat polio and prevent further outbreaks, especially in a region facing severe shortages of medical supplies and infrastructure challenges.