The World Health Organization said on Wednesday that a mass campaign to vaccinate children against polio in Gaza would resume on Saturday, with over half a million children targeted.
In September and October last year WHO conducted two rounds of vaccinations across the enclave, reaching over 95% of the target © Mena Today
The World Health Organization said on Wednesday that a mass campaign to vaccinate children against polio in Gaza would resume on Saturday, with over half a million children targeted.
"The current environment in Gaza, including overcrowding in shelters and severely damaged water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, which facilitates fecal-oral transmission, create ideal conditions for further spread of poliovirus," the WHO statement said.
"Extensive population movement consequent to the current ceasefire is likely to exacerbate the spread of poliovirus infection," it added.
In September and October last year WHO conducted two rounds of vaccinations across the enclave, reaching over 95% of the target.
The virus is still circulating in the enclave, meaning it could still reach a child who is under or un-immunized. Six samples tested positive in December and January, WHO added.
Though access for health workers has improved since the ceasefire came into place on January 19, some areas could not be accessed due to the fighting at the time. 7,000 children missed vaccination in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, according to the organisation.
Reporting by Emma Farge
Israelis will on Wednesday mark three years since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering a military assault that destroyed much of Gaza, where conditions remain dire despite a year-old ceasefire that is meant to halt the war for good.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Ankara and Istanbul from October 21 to 23, his office said on Tuesday, in what will be the first dedicated bilateral visit to NATO ally Turkey by a Canadian leader.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said “Three years ago, on October 7th, Hamas tried to break us. They did not.”
To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.
Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.