More than 640,000 children vaccinated with type 2 oral polio vaccine (nOPV), UNICEF say in one parcel on X.
World Health Organization (WHO), the main United Nations agency assisting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and other partners aim to work together to reach unvaccinated people as the war continues amid widespread civilian displacement.
The Israeli government agency COGAT said the vaccine shipments arrived in Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing, adding that the vaccination campaign would be conducted in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as part of a “routine” humanitarian pause.
Gaza has been gripped by an ongoing war since The terrorist attack on October 7 last year by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in southern Israel.
According to the Gaza Strip’s Ministry of Health, more than 40,000 people have been killed in the area and vital infrastructure, including schools converted into shelters for migrants, hospitals and clinics, has been destroyed.
Polio does not discriminate.
ONE A case of polio was confirmed in Gaza last week.in a 10-month-old child. This is the first such case. lifelong disability for more than 25 years. Although there is no cure, vaccines can protect children for life.
The child was paralyzed in the lower left leg and reported in stable condition
“Polio will not discriminate between Palestinian children and Israeli children,” UNRWA Director Philippe Lazzarini speak last week, stressing the need for an urgent pause in fighting to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
He repeat appeal on Monday, stressing that UN agencies and partners “Ready to vaccinate children, but humanitarian pause needed”.
The suffering continues unabated
Meanwhile, the plight of people in the war-torn Gaza Strip continues unabated.
According to UNRWA, due to ongoing military operations in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, only three of the area’s 18 water wells are still functioning, resulting in a water shortage of up to 85%.
“People in Gaza not only fear for their lives but also struggle to meet even the most basic needs.“Agency” speak.
The risk of other deadly infectious diseases remains high as water and sanitation systems are disrupted across the region, including in hospitals, WHO warned.
Efforts to mitigate the threat continue. The agency recently provided hospitals in northern and southern Gaza with a range of vital medical supplies, including anesthetics and painkillers to meet the needs of some 44,500 patients.
Some 200 ICU beds have also been delivered to Gaza and are expected to support at least five health facilities in expanding their bed capacity, the agency added in a separate statement. parcel.
