Campaign to Vaccinate Children in North Gaza Faces Challenges
A campaign to vaccinate the final 200,000 children in north Gaza against polio has begun, but health and aid officials are facing numerous challenges. Access restrictions, evacuation orders, and shortages of fuel are complicating the operation.
The campaign in north Gaza follows the successful vaccination of over 446,000 Palestinian children in central and south Gaza earlier this month. Despite the dire need for fuel and other challenges, medical staff have started administering vaccines in the north.
Vaccination centers in the area are located in militarily active zones, making them challenging to reach and isolated in case of emergencies. Sam Rose, the deputy director of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, expressed concerns but remained hopeful that they would be able to make it work.
On Monday, Israel stopped a convoy that included vehicles and fuel for the vaccination campaign, as well as a World Health Organization (WHO) team trying to reach Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital. The mission had to be aborted due to this interference. Israel also issued an evacuation order in north Gaza, which included areas designated as humanitarian pause zones for the polio vaccinations.
The centralization of services in the south has made it extremely difficult for aid organizations to access fuel, vaccinations, and other logistics. Mahmoud Shalabi of Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based charity, stated that there was no fuel available for mobile vaccination teams.
The lack of transportation options has forced some parents to walk with their children to reach vaccination clinics. Hossam Medhat Saleh, a Palestinian father, expressed the dangers of the road, highlighting the destruction and ongoing shelling in the area.
The campaign to vaccinate approximately 640,000 children in Gaza under the age of 10 began on September 1. This initiative was prompted by the confirmation from the WHO that a baby in Gaza had been partially paralyzed by the type 2 polio virus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years.
The current campaign in north Gaza aims to conclude the first round of vaccinations, with a second round scheduled to commence after a month. However, the challenges posed by access restrictions, evacuation orders, and fuel shortages are hindering the progress of this crucial vaccination effort.
It is important to note that this campaign is taking place in the aftermath of Israel’s 11-month military offensive against Hamas, which has resulted in the deaths of over 40,900 Palestinians and widespread destruction in Gaza. The already dire situation has been further exacerbated by the ongoing challenges faced by health and aid officials.
Despite these obstacles, the vaccination campaign remains a critical priority. Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause paralysis and even death. By vaccinating children, the aim is to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the population from further harm.
Efforts are being made to address the challenges faced by health and aid officials. International organizations, such as the WHO and UNRWA, are working to ensure the safe delivery of vaccines and necessary supplies. It is crucial for all parties involved to cooperate and prioritize the health and well-being of the children in Gaza.
In conclusion, the campaign to vaccinate children in north Gaza against polio is facing significant challenges. Access restrictions, evacuation orders, and fuel shortages are complicating the operation. However, the importance of this vaccination campaign cannot be overstated. Efforts must be made to overcome these obstacles and ensure the successful vaccination of all children in Gaza.