First Phase of Polio Campaign Concludes Successfully in Gaza

The initial phase of a two-round polio vaccination campaign in Gaza has been completed successfully, with over 187,000 children under ten years old receiving the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) between September 1 and 3, 2024. This exceeded the target of 157,000 children, thanks to increased population movement to central Gaza and expanded coverage in areas beyond the humanitarian pause zone.

Vaccination efforts will continue at four major health facilities in central Gaza over the next few days to ensure that no child misses out. Additional vaccine doses have been provided to these sites to address any further needs that may arise.

Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the occupied Palestinian territory, praised the campaign’s progress, noting the dedication of families and health workers despite challenging conditions. He expressed hope that the positive momentum will continue, especially as all parties respected the humanitarian pause during the campaign.

The first phase saw the involvement of 513 teams, comprising over 2,180 health and community outreach workers. Vaccination was conducted at 143 fixed sites, including hospitals, primary care centers, camps for displaced individuals, and key public areas. Mobile teams also reached difficult-to-access areas, including special missions to regions just outside the humanitarian pause zone, such as Al-Maghazi, Al-Bureij, and Al-Mussader.

Preparations are underway for the second phase of the campaign, set to take place in southern Gaza from September 5 to 8, 2024. This phase will target approximately 340,000 children under ten, with 517 teams, including 384 mobile units, deployed. Community outreach workers are already informing families in southern Gaza about the campaign, and supplies have been sent to Khan Younis for distribution.

The final phase of the campaign will occur in northern Gaza from September 9 to 11, 2024, aiming to vaccinate around 150,000 children. Achieving at least 90% vaccination coverage in each round is crucial to halting the outbreak and preventing further spread of polio. The campaign, conducted by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, UNRWA, and other partners, aims to vaccinate approximately 640,000 children in each round. Dr. Peeperkorn highlighted the importance of continued coordination and peace to ensure the campaign’s success.