Gaza Reports First Polio Case Amid UN Calls for Ceasefire to Facilitate Vaccination
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported its first polio case, coinciding with UN calls for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate a vaccination campaign for children. The Ministry attributed the virus’s emergence to the dire conditions in Gaza, worsened by sewage spread, medical supply shortages, and lack of hygiene products due to the Israeli blockade.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of halting the conflict to prevent a polio outbreak. He stressed that a ceasefire is essential for a successful vaccination campaign, as 95% coverage is required to stop the virus’s spread. The campaign is set to launch in late August and September, targeting children under 10 across Gaza. However, Guterres warned that logistical challenges, including vaccine transport, refrigeration, and communication infrastructure, must be overcome.
The Health Ministry underscored that without a ceasefire, the vaccination campaign would likely fail. It also called for comprehensive solutions to sanitation issues and the provision of clean water. Hamas has expressed support for the UN’s ceasefire request to allow the vaccination campaign and has also demanded the delivery of essential supplies to the population of Gaza.
In July, Gaza’s Health Ministry declared a polio epidemic, blaming the spread on Israel’s military actions. Polio has been detected in the sewage systems of Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis governorates, raising concerns among health officials. The ongoing conflict, coupled with limited access to healthcare, has made Gaza particularly vulnerable to outbreaks, with hospitals largely out of commission and displaced populations difficult to reach. Public health experts warn that without immediate intervention, the situation could escalate rapidly, endangering the health of countless children.
