First Polio Case in Gaza in 25 Years

The first confirmed case of polio in Gaza in 25 years has prompted urgent appeals for a vaccination campaign to prevent further outbreaks. A 10-month-old baby in Deir al-Balah has been paralyzed by the virus, which has been detected in the territory's wastewater, highlighting the dire state of health and sanitation infrastructure due to ongoing conflict. Israel has delivered over 1 million polio vaccines to Gaza, but humanitarian groups, including WHO and UNICEF, stress that a seven-day pause in fighting is essential to carry out mass vaccinations effectively. The polio virus primarily affects young children and spreads through contaminated water and food, posing a significant risk in the crowded and unsanitary conditions of Gaza. UN agencies are coordinating efforts to ensure cold storage and safe distribution of the vaccines amidst the challenging conditions. Hamas and Israel have both shown support for a temporary cease-fire to facilitate the vaccination drive.