 "Urgent Polio Vaccination Campaign Launched Amid High Risk in Gaza")
The World Health Organization (WHO) has successfully vaccinated over 161,000 Palestinian children in Gaza against polio within just two days, surpassing its target. This urgent campaign was prompted by the high risk of poliovirus type 2 infections in the region. Dr. Rick Peppercorn, WHO representative in the Palestinian Territories, reported that vaccination efforts were particularly strong in Al-Maghazi, Al-Bureij, and Al-Masdar, with plans to reach more children soon. The UAE is supporting this critical initiative with a $5 million donation aimed at protecting over 640,000 children from polio. The campaign is a vital response to the ongoing health crisis and aims for 90 percent vaccination coverage across Gaza to combat the disease effectively.
Title: WHO Vaccination Campaign in Gaza Sees Over 161,000 Children Immunized Against Polio
In a significant public health effort, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that a remarkable 161,000 Palestinian children received polio vaccinations in just two days during a campaign in Gaza. This achievement surpasses the initial target of 156,550 children.
Dr. Rick Peppercorn, WHO’s representative in the Palestinian Territories, shared updates during a video conference from Geneva. He announced that on the first day alone, more than 86,600 children were vaccinated, with an additional 74,340 vaccinated on the second day. The WHO is focused on ensuring that vaccination teams reach every child, especially in central Gaza, where the demand for vaccines has been high.
The urgency of the campaign is heightened by the WHO’s assessment of a significant risk of poliovirus type 2 infection in Gaza. This risk is due to gaps in children’s immunity caused by interruptions in routine vaccinations and the destruction of healthcare systems in the region, exacerbated by ongoing displacement and malnutrition.
In support of the effort, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has allocated USD 5 million to bolster the emergency vaccination campaign in Gaza after the first polio case was reported. The UAE’s initiative aims to protect over 640,000 children from polio, in collaboration with the WHO, UNICEF, and UNRWA. The campaign will extend throughout Gaza to vaccinate 90 percent of children, providing crucial protection against the disease amid challenging conditions.
The WHO continues to work diligently to ensure all children in Gaza have access to vital vaccinations, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their health during this critical time.
Tags: Polio, WHO, Gaza, Vaccination Campaign, Public Health, UAE Support, Children’s Health, Poliovirus, UNICEF, UNRWA
- Why were 161,000 children vaccinated against polio in Gaza?
These children were vaccinated to protect them from polio, a serious disease that can cause paralysis. The vaccination helps to prevent the spread of the virus and keep kids healthy.
- How quickly was the vaccination done?
The vaccination campaign in Gaza was very fast, taking only two days to reach 161,000 children.
- Who organized the vaccination campaign?
The campaign was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) along with local health authorities. They worked together to make sure as many children as possible got vaccinated.
- Why is it important to vaccinate children against polio?
Vaccinating children against polio is important because it helps stop outbreaks and protects future generations. If enough children are vaccinated, the disease can be eliminated altogether.
- What should parents do if their child missed the vaccination?
If a child missed the vaccination, parents should contact local health services to find out when they can get their child vaccinated. It’s important to ensure all children are protected.
