In a recent development in Gaza, an 11-month-old child has been diagnosed with polio, marking the first case of the disease in the region in 25 years. This has prompted a plan to provide polio vaccines to children in Gaza through a series of "humanitarian pauses" in fighting to allow for vaccination efforts.
Polio is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under the age of five. It spreads easily through contact with infected feces or contaminated water and food. While most infections are asymptomatic, some individuals may experience symptoms such as a high temperature, sore throat, headache, and muscle pain. In severe cases, the virus can invade the brain and nervous system, leading to irreversible paralysis.
The re-emergence of polio in Gaza has been attributed to disruptions in child vaccination programs caused by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Prior to the conflict, immunization rates in Gaza and the occupied West Bank were optimal, with 99% coverage in 2022. However, this has since dropped to less than 90%.
To address the situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to vaccinate approximately 640,000 children under the age of 10 in Gaza. The vaccination campaign will be carried out in phases across different regions of Gaza, with healthcare workers striving to achieve 95% coverage to halt the transmission of the virus. The plan involves administering a novel oral polio vaccine to children, with additional doses scheduled for late September.
While polio cases have significantly declined globally since the launch of the polio eradication initiative in 1988, the disease remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Outbreaks of poliovirus variants have also been reported in over 30 countries where immunization rates are low.
In conclusion, the plan to vaccinate children in Gaza against polio is a crucial step in preventing the spread of the disease and protecting vulnerable populations in the region. The success of the vaccination campaign will depend on the cooperation of all parties involved and the support of humanitarian organizations.