Roundup: Polio vaccination campaign kicks off in Gaza amid ongoing conflict

GAZA, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) — A polio vaccination campaign started in the Gaza Strip on Sunday as over 2 million people in the Palestinian enclave are still grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
The campaign began in central Gaza, including the city of Deir al-Balah and the refugee camps of al-Nuseirat, al-Maghazi, and al-Bureij. The second phase is scheduled for September 5 in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, with northern Gaza set to be covered on September 9.
The Palestinian Health Ministry, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has established vaccination centers in hospitals, clinics, schools, and shelters.
The United Nations has delivered 1.2 million doses of the oral polio vaccine, targeting approximately 640,000 children.
Each child from birth to 10 years old is to receive two doses, said Iyad al-Jabri, director of al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. He accused the Israeli army of deliberately destroying the medical system in Gaza, which has contributed to the spread of diseases among the local population, especially children.
Residents, such as Saeed Sobh, have expressed their concern about the outbreak. Sobh, who was at the Red Crescent Society in Deir al-Balah, said, “We need to vaccinate our children against polio because diseases in the Gaza Strip have increased due to the Israeli war.”
The first confirmed case of polio in Gaza in 25 years was reported in Deir al-Balah in mid-August. Jihan Mansour, 29, expressed relief after her children received their vaccinations, saying she was initially hesitant but felt reassured after confirming the vaccine’s safety.
Mohammed Abu Rahma, director of Public Care at the Red Crescent Society, noted that preparations for the campaign began immediately following the discovery of the polio case. He emphasized the importance of vaccination as the primary prevention method for polio.
UNRWA reported that over 1,000 of its employees are participating in the campaign, aiming to reach more than 600,000 children. Sam Rose, acting director of UNRWA Operations in Gaza, stated that teams would be working across clinics, health points, and shelters to administer vaccines.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini urged for a permanent ceasefire to ensure the success of the vaccination campaign, expressing gratitude to the UN teams involved.
A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Saturday dismissed reports of a general ceasefire for vaccination, confirming only a humanitarian corridor and designated safe areas for vaccine administration. ■