UNICEF Launches Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) is launching a major polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, targeting 640,000 children under ten years old, following the detection of the first polio case in the region in 25 years. The campaign is critical due to the compromised healthcare system amid ongoing conflict and aims to prevent a wider outbreak of the disease, which can lead to permanent paralysis. Israel has agreed to humanitarian pauses in fighting to facilitate the vaccination efforts, which will be conducted in three phases over nine days. The WHO has delivered 1.26 million doses of the oral polio vaccine and trained over 2,100 healthcare workers for the initiative. Despite logistical challenges, the campaign seeks to achieve 90% vaccination coverage in each round. WHO officials emphasize that peace is essential for the long-term health of Gaza's children, highlighting the dire need for a ceasefire as a lasting solution.