By Palestine Chronicle Staff 
WHO: Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza Unlikely to Reach Adequate Coverage
Amidst the dire situation in Gaza, the WHO successfully vaccinated over 87,000 children on the first day of a nine-day polio vaccination campaign. The campaign aims to reach at least 90 percent of children in the besieged strip. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of peace for the well-being of children in Gaza.
Despite challenges such as fatigue and malnutrition among children due to harsh living conditions, thousands of Palestinians are actively participating in the vaccination campaign to protect their children under 10. The campaign, conducted in collaboration with various organizations, highlights the urgency of adequate healthcare amidst ongoing conflicts in the region.
Addressing Insufficient Time Frame
The WHO expressed concerns regarding the limited time allocated for the campaign, citing insecurity, infrastructure damage, and population displacement as obstacles. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the successful vaccination of children in central, south, and north Gaza, with humanitarian pauses facilitating distribution.
Furthermore, the resurgence of polio in Gaza underscores the urgent need for sustained healthcare efforts and humanitarian aid. International condemnation of Israel’s actions in the region continues as the conflict exacerbates an already challenging humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the importance of peaceful resolutions for the well-being of the Palestinian population.