Gaza Receives 350,000 Polio Vaccine Doses Amid Ongoing Vaccination Campaign
A significant shipment of 350,000 polio vaccine doses has arrived in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan. This delivery marks the second batch of vaccines designated for a large-scale immunization effort in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). A total of nearly 1.6 million doses are expected, aimed at providing two doses each to all children from birth to 10 years old.
The vaccines are being stored in a dedicated facility, ensuring a coordinated campaign involving the Palestinian Health Ministry, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and UNICEF. The current vaccination drive, which began on September 1, targets areas including Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, Gaza City, and northern Gaza governorates.
To date, more than 158,000 children have received the vaccine, with the campaign scheduled to continue until September 12. This initiative follows the recent detection of poliovirus in Gaza, the first case in 25 years, reported in Deir al-Balah in August.
UNRWA has confirmed the safety of the polio vaccine, with most children experiencing no adverse effects. The organization has emphasized that vaccination is the only effective measure for preventing polio, urging Gaza residents to ensure their children are immunized.
The WHO reported that the vaccination campaign has exceeded initial expectations. Within the first two days, health workers administered the oral vaccine to 161,030 children, surpassing the target of 150,000 for the initial phase in central Gaza. WHO representative Rik Peeperkorn described the atmosphere as “almost festive,” with families actively participating in the vaccination process.
Amid these efforts, Minister Abu Ramadan has called on the international community and organizations to pressure Israel to cease hostilities and allow health personnel to operate effectively in Gaza. The ongoing campaign underscores a critical public health response in the face of a renewed polio threat in the region.
