Gaza Polio Vaccination Campaign Reaches Over 560,000 Children in First Phase

Despite ongoing conflict, health workers achieve 87% coverage, with a second round planned in four weeks.

The first phase of the Gaza polio vaccination campaign successfully vaccinated over 560,000 children under ten years old.
The campaign, conducted from September 1-12, aimed to address the resurgence of polio following the detection of the virus in July 2024.
Health workers faced significant challenges, including damaged infrastructure, displacement, and limited resources, but achieved 87% coverage of the target population.
A second round of vaccinations is scheduled to take place in four weeks to ensure full immunity for the children.
Humanitarian pauses facilitated by Israel allowed the campaign to proceed, highlighting the critical need for continued peace and cooperation.