In Gaza, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has left families like Eid al-Attar’s struggling to find food, water, and shelter. The destruction of the territory’s healthcare system has led to the spread of diseases like hepatitis, pneumonia, and now polio. With 90% of the population displaced and living in unsanitary conditions, the risk of illness is high.
Last week, Gaza reported its first case of polio in a quarter century, a disease that can cause paralysis and death, particularly in children. An emergency vaccination drive led by the UN and local health authorities is underway to vaccinate 640,000 children under 10 in two rounds. However, challenges remain, including damaged roads and unreliable access to fuel for refrigeration.
Despite these obstacles, the vaccination campaign has been largely successful, with 72,600 children vaccinated on the first day. The hope is that once the polio campaign is completed, routine immunizations can resume. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with no immediate end in sight to the conflict.
Nabil al-Hasanat, a father in Gaza, expressed relief at being able to protect his children through vaccination. However, the broader humanitarian crisis in the region, including the breakdown of the healthcare system and lack of access to aid, continues to threaten children’s well-being. Unicef Palestine emphasizes the need for ongoing support to address these challenges and prevent further disease outbreaks.
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