The Gaza Strip has launched an extensive polio vaccination campaign aimed at immunizing approximately 600,000 children under the age of 10. This critical initiative comes in response to the detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples and aims to prevent further spread of the disease in the region. The campaign is being spearheaded by the Palestinian Ministry of Health with support from international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The vaccination drive commenced on February 22, 2025, and was initially planned for three days but extended to five due to high demand. Health workers utilized novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), which is specifically designed for outbreak response. Over 1,700 UNRWA staff members participated in administering vaccines across health centers and mobile points throughout Gaza.
This effort follows two successful rounds of vaccinations conducted in September and October 2024 after the first confirmed polio case in a 10-month-old child. The earlier campaigns reached over 95% of their target population despite challenges posed by conflict and restricted access. However, approximately 7,000 children missed vaccinations due to insecurity in areas like Jabalia and Beit Hanoun. The recent ceasefire has significantly improved access for health workers, allowing them to reach displaced families and communities in remote locations.
The ongoing polio outbreak highlights broader public health challenges in Gaza, exacerbated by overcrowding, damaged sanitation infrastructure, and limited access to clean water. These conditions create an ideal environment for the virus to spread through fecal-oral transmission. To address these risks, authorities are also intensifying disease surveillance and environmental monitoring.
The Health Ministry has emphasized the importance of vaccinating every child multiple times during an active outbreak to close immunity gaps. International partners have echoed calls for a lasting ceasefire to ensure uninterrupted public health efforts.
This vaccination drive not only aims to eliminate poliovirus from Gaza but also underscores the resilience of its healthcare system amidst adversity. For more details on vaccination campaigns and their impact, visit Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
