By Palestine Chronicle Staff 
“We cannot do it when there’s fighting, airstrikes, and no roads that can even be traveled safely.”
Amid the conflict in Gaza, the first case of polio has been confirmed in a 10-month-old child, highlighting the urgent need for vaccination campaigns. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than one million polio vaccines are ready, but the safety of healthcare workers and access to all parts of Gaza are essential before the campaign can begin.
Dr. Margaret Harris from WHO emphasized the challenges faced due to ongoing conflicts, hampering efforts to control the spread of the disease. The re-emergence of polio in Gaza is attributed to the collapse of the health system and lack of basic water and sanitation infrastructure.
Plea for Immediate Action
Human Rights Watch has warned that if aid access is not granted and healthcare infrastructure continues to be destroyed, the spread of polio could escalate, presenting severe risks, especially to children. Urgent action is needed to ensure the timely distribution of vaccines and contain the outbreak.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis, resulting in thousands of casualties and displacements. International pressure is increasing on Israel to lift the blockade and allow unrestricted humanitarian access to prevent further devastation in the region.
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