UN delays Gaza polio vaccination due to ongoing conflict

By AJP Posted : October 24, 2024, 10:26 Updated : October 24, 2024, 10:28
 
A medic administers a polio vaccine to a Palestinian child in southern Gaza Strip on Oct 19 2024 AFP-Yonhap
A medic administers a polio vaccine to a Palestinian child in southern Gaza Strip on Oct. 19, 2024. AFP-Yonhap
SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - UN agencies have postponed a polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, mass displacement, and limited access. The second phase of the campaign, aimed at vaccinating 120,000 children following Gaza's first polio case in 25 years, was scheduled to start on Wednesday but was delayed.

Israel's military offensive in Jabalia, targeting Hamas fighters, has left over 400 people dead and displaced 60,000 since it began two weeks ago. The situation has worsened for residents facing shortages of food and supplies.

UN officials warned that delaying the campaign could affect efforts to prevent polio's spread. To achieve herd immunity, 90 percent of children need two doses. The first phase of the campaign successfully vaccinated 559,000 children in September. The second phase, launched in mid-October, covered 442,000 children in southern and central Gaza, but efforts in northern Gaza were halted due to the intensified conflict.

UN officials called for humanitarian pauses to ensure children can be vaccinated safely. Israel's military body coordinating aid said the campaign would resume soon, and the World Health Organization hopes it can start within a week. Meanwhile, the military offensive in Jabalia continues, with ongoing strikes and civilian casualties reported.
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