Mass Polio Vaccination Campaign Launched Amid Ongoing Conflict in Gaza

Palestinian health authorities and United Nations agencies have initiated a large-scale polio vaccination campaign in Gaza to protect children amid the Israel-Hamas war. The effort aims to vaccinate 640,000 children, starting in central Gaza, despite ongoing fighting and numerous logistical challenges. The campaign highlights the dire public health situation in the region.

Palestinian health authorities and United Nations agencies launched a large-scale polio vaccination campaign in Gaza on Sunday, aiming to protect children amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The program will run until Wednesday in central Gaza before targeting the more devastated northern and southern regions.

The initiative aims to vaccinate approximately 640,000 children, starting with a few vaccinations on Saturday. Despite the conflict, Israel has agreed to limited pauses in fighting to facilitate the campaign. Initial reports of Israeli strikes in central Gaza on Sunday have yet to confirm casualties.

With Gaza recently reporting its first polio case in 25 years, the World Health Organisation warns of the risk of more undetected cases. Health officials face numerous obstacles, including ruined infrastructure and displaced populations, but remain determined to avert a public health crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)