Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza
This achievement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat the spread of polio in the region, where disrupted health services, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water have heightened the risk of the disease.
The successful execution of the campaign’s first phase, spearheaded by the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, UNRWA, and other partners, reflects the resilience of the community and the dedication of health workers in a challenging environment.
Campaign Details and Challenges Overcome
The first phase involved 513 teams, comprising over 2,180 health workers and community outreach personnel. Vaccination was carried out at 143 fixed sites, including hospitals, medical points, primary care centers, and camps where displaced people are residing.
Key public gathering spaces such as temporary learning centers, food and water distribution points, and major transit routes leading from central to northern and southern Gaza were also utilized.
Mobile teams played a crucial role in reaching hard-to-access areas, such as tents and regions outside the established humanitarian pause zone.
Special missions were conducted to areas like Al-Maghazi, Al-Bureij, and Al-Mussader to vaccinate children who could not reach the fixed vaccination sites due to ongoing security concerns.
“It has been extremely encouraging to see thousands of children being able to access polio vaccines, with the support of their resilient families and courageous health workers, despite the deplorable conditions they have braved over the last 11 months. All parties respected the humanitarian pause, and we hope to see this positive momentum continue,” said Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the occupied Palestinian territory.
The effort was bolstered by strategic planning and logistical coordination, with vaccine doses supplied to health facilities in central Gaza to meet any additional demand.
Health workers and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that no child was missed, especially those living in insecure or difficult-to-reach areas.
Community Engagement and Support
Community engagement was a critical component of the campaign’s success. Nearly 300 community outreach workers engaged families to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.
Informational sessions were held in public areas, and community leaders were mobilized to encourage parents to bring their children for vaccination.
This extensive community involvement helped dispel fears and misinformation about the vaccine, ensuring broad participation.
Dr. Peeperkorn emphasized the importance of the humanitarian pause that allowed safe access to health services. “The first phase of the campaign was a culmination of immense coordination among various partners, including the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and donors, and underscores the importance of peace for the health and well-being of people in Gaza. We call on all parties to continue fulfilling their commitment to the humanitarian pauses as the second phase of the campaign begins,” he said.
Next Phases of the Campaign
With the first phase successfully completed, preparations are underway for the second phase, which will take place in southern Gaza from September 5 to 8, 2024.
This next phase aims to vaccinate approximately 340,000 children under the age of ten. Over 517 teams, including 384 mobile units, will be deployed across the region, supported by 490 vaccine carriers and 90 cold storage boxes, ensuring the vaccines remain effective.
The third and final phase is planned for northern Gaza from September 9 to 11, targeting an estimated 150,000 children.
Each phase of the campaign is crucial to achieving at least 90% vaccination coverage, which is necessary to halt the polio outbreak, prevent its international spread, and reduce the risk of re-emergence in the Gaza Strip, where health, water, and sanitation systems have been severely disrupted.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Continued Support
The overall goal of the campaign, conducted in collaboration with multiple international and local partners, is to provide two drops of nOPV2 to around 640,000 children during each round.
Vaccination coverage will be closely monitored, and flexible strategies will be employed to ensure every eligible child receives their vaccine dose.
“The successful delivery of the first phase of the campaign in central Gaza is a testament to the resilience of Gaza’s communities and the dedication of health workers. We call on all parties to continue supporting the humanitarian efforts as we move into the next phases,” said Dr. Peeperkorn.
As the campaign progresses, the hope is to maintain momentum and ensure that every child in Gaza is protected against polio, a critical step toward safeguarding the health of future generations in the region.
