A campaign to inoculate children in Gaza against polio and prevent the spread of the virus has kicked off amidst the ongoing military offensives in the region. Gaza’s Health Ministry announced the start of the vaccination drive, which comes as Palestinians in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank continue to face challenges posed by Israel’s actions.
A small number of children in Gaza received vaccines ahead of the official rollout, with a larger-scale campaign set to begin on Sunday. This initiative has been coordinated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and marks a crucial effort to protect children from the debilitating effects of polio.
The agreement between Israel and the WHO for a pause in fighting will hopefully provide a window of opportunity for vaccinators to reach more children and ensure widespread coverage. The WHO has confirmed that the larger campaign is set to begin on Sunday, demonstrating a concerted effort to address the health needs of vulnerable populations in the midst of conflict.
The vaccination drive is a testament to the importance of prioritizing public health, even in the face of adversity. By working together to protect children from polio, health authorities are taking a proactive step towards safeguarding the well-being of the community.
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Video “Polio vaccine campaign kicks off in Gaza ahead of pause in fighting • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 08/31/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English