The Israeli military recently announced that its polio vaccination campaign in Gaza has successfully administered over 1.1 million vaccinations, achieving a remarkable 90% coverage among children. This initiative follows the confirmation of a polio case in the territory, marking a significant public health effort amidst ongoing tensions.
Details of the Campaign
Beginning on 1 September 2024, the campaign has mobilised significant resources. According to the military, the vaccinations were distributed across different regions of Gaza:
- Northern Gaza: 211,170 vaccinations
- Central Gaza: 379,361 vaccinations
- Southern Gaza: 517,070 vaccinations
This outreach, coordinated with international agencies by COGAT (the military body handling Palestinian civilian matters), required two doses of vaccine per child.
Challenges Faced
Despite the success, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that access limitations due to ongoing military operations in northern Gaza have complicated efforts. Mass evacuations have made it challenging to estimate how many children may have been missed during the campaign.
Background Context
The urgency of this vaccination campaign escalated after a baby was partially paralysed due to the type 2 poliovirus, the first such case in Gaza in 25 years. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining vaccination programmes in conflict zones to prevent outbreaks.
This effort not only helps protect the immediate population but also serves as a beacon of hope amidst the ongoing crisis. The collaboration with WHO and other bodies illustrates a commitment to addressing public health needs despite the difficult circumstances.