Gaza Reports First Polio Case in 25 Years: Urgent Vaccination Efforts Underway
In a troubling development, a 10-month-old baby in Gaza has become partially paralyzed due to polio, marking the territory’s first case of the disease in 25 years. This case comes amidst Gaza’s ongoing conflict, which has now stretched into its 11th month.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern, as polio had been absent from Gaza for a quarter of a century. Earlier this year, type 2 poliovirus was found in wastewater samples from Gaza, signaling potential risks. The baby, who was not vaccinated, is currently stable despite the paralysis affecting one of their legs.
Poliovirus spreads mainly through contaminated water and sewage, making it highly infectious. It poses serious health risks, including paralysis and death, particularly for children under five. The recent re-emergence of the virus is attributed to disruptions in vaccination efforts and severe damage to water and sanitation infrastructure caused by the ongoing conflict.
To combat this, the United Nations is pushing for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate a vaccination campaign aimed at over 640,000 children under ten. UN Secretary General António Guterres highlighted the urgency, noting that effective vaccination efforts require safe vaccine transport, entry for health experts, and secure conditions for medical personnel.
In response, WHO has approved the distribution of 1.6 million vaccine doses, with UNICEF managing their delivery and storage, while UNRWA’s medical teams will administer them. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell underscored the dire situation, stating that the return of polio is a stark reminder of the chaos and danger in Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reported sending over 282,000 vaccine vials to Gaza, sufficient for nearly 2.8 million doses, with plans to deliver an additional 60,000 vaccines soon. These efforts are coordinated through the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), ensuring the entry of medical supplies and personnel into the region.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza began following an attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties. Since then, over 40,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry, with many casualties being women and children.
