The recent polio vaccination campaign launched in Gaza has reached nearly 550,000 children under the age of ten, marking a significant public health achievement amid challenging conditions. The initiative, supported by local health authorities and international organizations, aimed to protect the region's vulnerable youth from the highly infectious poliovirus, which had resurfaced for the first time in over two decades.
According to reports from the United Nations, as of Tuesday, aid workers have successfully vaccinated approximately 93 percent of the targeted population during this campaign. The initiative, detailed by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric during a news briefing, has extended its reach to encompass the program's goal of immunizing nearly all children within the stipulated demographic. This campaign follows two earlier rounds executed last September and October, where over 95 percent of the targeted children received the necessary two doses of the oral vaccine.
Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative for the Palestinian territories, underscored the significance of the campaign's success, especially as it coincides with pressing humanitarian challenges. "That's a remarkable achievement, and personally I didn't think we would reach this number," Peeperkorn noted, highlighting the concerted efforts of health workers and the community's enthusiasm for vaccination efforts.
The resurgence of polio symptoms was first noted after the illness partially paralyzed a ten-month-old child last August, prompting the quick action from health officials. Continued testing has revealed the poliovirus still circulates within the community, indicating the urgency for maintaining high vaccination rates.
While the vaccination rates are climbing, the WHO also reported concerns about funding levels for the health sector. Significant cuts to financial support, particularly due to the United States' withdrawal from the WHO, have jeopardized operations. Peeperkorn explained, "The US pullout meant we could no longer allocate around $46 million which was planned for Gaza, which will leave several areas underfunded. This includes procurement of supplies and urgent medical needs." The organization had expected these funds would considerably aid the healthcare infrastructure for the coming years.
The WHO's operational response plan for Palestinian territories for 2025 is projected to require $648 million to address extensive needs. The staggering $7 billion estimate for reconstructing Gaza’s health system can only be achieved with international cooperation and sustained funding flows. Peeperkorn warned, "It would have been so incredibly helpful to have the foresight for 2025. These financial resources will be needed now more than ever."
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground reflects the extensive damage caused by the conflict. Out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals, only 18 are currently operational, and the number of accessible hospital beds fell from more than 3,500 to roughly 1,500 due to the destruction and damage done during the fighting. The WHO hopes to introduce more prefabricated facilities to meet the immediate healthcare demands soon.
Against the backdrop of these challenges, humanitarian efforts persist. On the vaccination front, the latest campaign is expected to continue, with plans for additional rounds as the chilly weather hasn’t deterred parents from bringing their children for immunization. During this period, from February 1 to 24 alone, around 889 patients, including 335 children, have been medically evacuated to Egypt, emphasizing the immediate needs for healthcare support and interventions.
Peeperkorn remarked on the resilience and determination of Gaza's health workers, many of whom remain committed to their posts under extreme circumstances. He mentioned, “Forty to fifty percent of the original health workers are still at their posts. Their commitment is what holds the healthcare system together, even as many senior specialists have fled.” This highlights the pressing requirement for medical professionals’ safety and enhanced conditions so they can effectively serve their communities.
Despite the availability of resources and international support from organizations such as the WHO and UNICEF, continued cooperation remains pivotal for sustaining vaccination campaigns and addressing infrastructure damage. Peeperkorn has called for expanded medical corridors and efficient routes for hospitalization to alleviate pressure on Gaza’s crumbling health system.
With continued mobilization of community and international support, the potential to curb the polio outbreak remains promising. The effective execution of these vaccination campaigns symbolizes hope and resilience amid the broader humanitarian crisis facing Gaza. Moving forward, stakeholders must advocate for strategic allocations and collaborative partnerships to establish stronger healthcare foundations and improve the overall well-being of Gaza's children.