The World Health Organization (WHO) has postponed the final phase of a child polio vaccination drive in northern Gaza due to “intense bombardment” and “escalating violence.” The second round of vaccinations, targeting 119,279 children, was scheduled to begin but was compelled to be delayed.
The vaccination campaign began after Gaza confirmed its first polio case in 25 years. Polio is highly infectious, causing deformities, paralysis, and potentially fatal outcomes, mainly affecting children under five.
The WHO requires two doses of oral vaccine, with 90% coverage of children under 10, to interrupt transmission. Central and southern Gaza completed vaccinations, reaching 94% coverage, but northern Gaza’s instability jeopardizes efforts.
The WHO urges humanitarian pauses to facilitate vaccination, stating, “It is imperative to stop the polio outbreak before more children are paralyzed.”