Gaza, February 19, 2025: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that it will initiate a mass polio vaccination campaign in Gaza starting Saturday, aiming to immunize more than 591,000 children under the age of 10.
The announcement was made by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus via social media, following the recent detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples, indicating its circulation and the potential risk to children.
“We welcome the ceasefire, which is allowing us to carry out this campaign. However, we continue to urge for a lasting ceasefire that leads to long-term peace,” Ghebreyesus stated, highlighting the support of UNICEF and other partners in the effort.
Polio is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under five and can lead to paralysis. The WHO and its partners have been working extensively to prevent its spread, particularly in conflict-affected regions where healthcare infrastructure is often compromised.
The upcoming vaccination drive is part of ongoing global efforts to eradicate polio, ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations and mitigating the risk of an outbreak in the region.
