You may have heard recently about the polio vaccination campaign that has resumed in Gaza City, in the northern Gaza Strip. Current events show that the campaign has been delayed by Israeli bombardment, mass displacement and access difficulties. It is important to stress the importance of this campaign, which was launched in September after the first case of polio was discovered in the Palestinian enclave in 25 years.
The goal of this final phase of the campaign was to administer a second dose of the vaccine to approximately 119,000 children under the age of 10. Unfortunately, due to access constraints, the World Health Organization and UNICEF believe that this goal is unlikely to be reached.
Dr Hossam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, describes the situation in northern Gaza as dire. He mentioned the emergence of malnutrition cases among children and adults, highlighting the lack of resources to provide for the needs of the wounded and the medical teams working tirelessly.
It is alarming to note that if no action is taken in the coming hours and days, a new health disaster could occur, including polio, malnutrition and famine, thus affecting the immune system of the population.
Recent reports from the United Nations have described the situation in the northern Gaza Strip as “apocalyptic”, warning that the entire population is at “imminent risk” of death. These statements come as Israel continues its military offensive against Hamas militants in the area.
It is crucial to pay particular attention to this humanitarian crisis in Gaza City, by supporting vaccination efforts and promoting access to basic health care. The international community must act quickly to prevent a major health catastrophe in this already severely affected region.