UN Calls for Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza to Combat Polio Outbreak

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all parties in the Gaza conflict to guarantee humanitarian pauses for a polio vaccine campaign. Guterres emphasized the urgent need to prevent the spread of polio among children due to the ongoing conflict, which has greatly hindered normal vaccination efforts.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for immediate humanitarian pauses in the Gaza conflict to allow for a crucial polio vaccine campaign. Speaking to reporters at the U.N., Guterres stressed that without these guarantees, it would be impossible to contain the virus.

“The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. But in any case, a polio pause is a must,” Guterres stated. The U.N. aims to launch a vaccination campaign targeting children under 10, but the challenges are significant, requiring 95% vaccination coverage in two rounds to be effective.

Gaza’s health ministry recently declared a polio epidemic, exacerbated by Israel's ongoing military offensive. The virus has been detected in local sewage, and the area's population is at high risk due to disrupted health services. Public health officials underscore the need for coordinated, urgent action to tackle the outbreak.