In brief
This past weekend marked the receipt of second doses of the polio vaccine for thousands of children in Gaza City as humanitarian efforts continue amid conflict. However, aid agencies have cautioned that many will miss essential vaccinations.
Gaza City, Nov. 3, 2024 – In a significant vaccination push, thousands of children in Gaza City have begun receiving their second doses of the polio vaccine, a campaign initially set to start on October 23 but delayed due to heavy Israeli military action and safety concerns for health workers. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF noted that while some progress is being made, the escalating conflict has left about 15,000 children in northern Gaza without access to vaccinations, threatening the initiative's success. A temporary humanitarian pause allowed the vaccinations to proceed in Gaza City, where the number of vaccinated children was reported at over 58,600 as of Sunday. The campaign aims to cover the needs of children under ten, following a prior vaccination round conducted in September. The Gazan Health Ministry has confirmed the reported numbers, with the vaccination campaign expected to continue into Monday. The situation remains critical as health authorities strive to reach children in areas affected by military operations.Despite ongoing efforts, the effectiveness of the vaccination campaign hangs in the balance, reflecting the broader struggles faced by healthcare services amidst the ongoing conflict.
