A major polio vaccination campaign is underway in Gaza, even as the region endures continued Israeli airstrikes. The campaign, organized by the United Nations, seeks to vaccinate 640,000 children in Gaza. The effort comes after healthcare workers warned of a potential polio outbreak, with the first case of type 2 polio in 25 years reported last week, resulting in partial paralysis in a baby.

The World Health Organization (WHO) officials have emphasized that at least 90% of children in Gaza need to be vaccinated twice within four weeks to prevent the virus, which spreads through fecal matter, from escalating into an outbreak.

The situation in Gaza is dire after 11 months of continuous Israeli bombardment, which has devastated much of the region's infrastructure. Deputy Health Minister Dr. Yousef Abu al-Rish highlighted the severity of the living conditions, with sewage running through overcrowded tent camps. He called on the international community to advocate for a ceasefire, stating: “If the international community truly wants this campaign to succeed, it should call for a ceasefire, knowing that this virus does not stop, and can reach anywhere.”

On Saturday, healthcare workers administered polio vaccines to some children at Nasser Hospital in a symbolic gesture before the official start of the campaign. Despite the ongoing conflict, efforts to protect Gaza's children from the threat of polio are moving forward, underscoring the critical need for humanitarian intervention in the war-torn region. (ILKHA)