Resumption of Polio Vaccination Efforts in Northern Gaza
The third phase of the polio vaccination initiative is scheduled to commence tomorrow in specific regions of the northern Gaza Strip. This phase was initially set for October 23, 2024, but faced delays due to restricted access and a lack of guaranteed humanitarian pauses amid ongoing bombardments and mass evacuation orders. These circumstances have hindered families from safely bringing their children for vaccinations and organizing campaign activities.
Limited Humanitarian Pause Impacts Campaign Reach
While a humanitarian pause has been confirmed to facilitate the campaign, its scope has significantly diminished compared to the first vaccination round conducted in September 2024. The current pause is confined solely to Gaza City. In recent weeks, over 100,000 individuals have relocated from northern Gaza towards Gaza City seeking safety; however, approximately 15,000 children under ten years old remain unreachable in areas such as Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun. This gap poses a serious threat to the campaign’s overall effectiveness since achieving at least a 90% vaccination rate among all children within each community is essential for interrupting poliovirus transmission.
Challenges Ahead for Vaccination Targets
The final phase aimed to immunize around 119,000 children under ten with a second dose of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). However, due to ongoing access issues exacerbated by security concerns and population displacement, meeting this target appears increasingly unlikely.
Collaboration Among Health Organizations
Despite these challenges in reaching all eligible children across northern Gaza, key health organizations—including the Palestinian Ministry of Health along with WHO and UNICEF—have decided to proceed with the campaign. Their goal is to minimize delays that could prevent many children from receiving vital polio vaccinations while also addressing those who have recently moved into Gaza City from other regions.
Strategic Planning Amidst Uncertainty
To navigate obstacles presented by an unstable security environment and continuous population movements, comprehensive micro-plans have been established. These plans are designed to adapt effectively amidst significant demographic changes following September’s initial round of vaccinations. The upcoming campaign will deploy 216 teams across 106 fixed sites; notably adding 22 new locations where displaced individuals are currently residing. Additionally, there will be engagement efforts led by209 social mobilizers tasked with raising community awareness about vaccination initiatives.
The duration of the humanitarian pause has been extended by two hours daily—from 6 AM until 4 PM—to facilitate these efforts further. As seen during previous phases of this initiative vitamin A supplements will also be administered alongside vaccines for children aged two through ten years old in northern areas as part of an effort to enhance overall immunity levels.
A Successful Start: Previous Phases Achieve High Coverage Rates
This latest push follows successful implementation phases earlier this year that reached an impressive total of 451216 children—96% coverage—in central and southern regions during this second round effort alone. Furthermore 364306 young ones aged between two and ten years received vitamin A supplements throughout these earlier phases.
A Call for Continued Support
In light of ongoing difficulties faced on-ground WHO alongside UNICEF emphasize respecting humanitarian pauses crucially needed for effective delivery during this second round polio vaccination drive aimed at curbing poliovirus spread not only within Gaza but also extending its impact into neighboring territories.
