WHO Moves Polio Vaccinations to Northern Gaza. The World Health Organization (WHO) shifted its polio vaccination campaign to northern Gaza due to disruptions in other parts of the region. Ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges have complicated the effort, with health services and infrastructure severely impacted. The WHO is concerned about the rising risk of a polio outbreak as access to healthcare becomes increasingly limited.
Recent efforts in central Gaza faced delays due to escalating violence and logistical challenges. This has made it difficult to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus. In response, WHO health teams are now focusing their efforts on northern Gaza, where thousands of children still need immunization.
“We must ensure every child in Gaza receives this life-saving vaccine. Polio can cause devastating effects, and we can’t let it spread,” a WHO representative stressed. The organization remains committed to reaching as many children as possible despite the harsh conditions.
Local healthcare workers continue to face significant challenges. Access to medical supplies is limited, and ongoing security threats have restricted movement. Many clinics have sustained damage, forcing staff to work in dangerous environments. Despite these obstacles, health workers are pushing ahead with vaccination efforts.
Polio vaccination in Gaza is part of a larger global effort to eradicate the disease. Although polio has been nearly eliminated worldwide, isolated cases continue to surface, particularly in conflict zones where healthcare systems are weak. In these areas, limited access to vaccines makes the population more vulnerable to outbreaks.
The WHO has called on international organizations and the global community to support the ongoing vaccination effort in Gaza. They warn that without sufficient resources, polio could resurge in the region. For now, the focus remains on northern Gaza, where healthcare workers are determined to vaccinate children and prevent the spread of this life-threatening disease.
The situation remains critical, but with continued effort, the WHO hopes to curb the risk of an outbreak.
