WHO and Israel Agree on Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza Starting September 1
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced an agreement with Israel to start a mass polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. This initiative will begin on September 1, thanks to humanitarian pauses.
Key Figures and Organizations
Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, head of the WHO office for West Bank and Gaza, shared that the campaign aims to vaccinate over 640,000 children in two rounds. The UN agencies involved include UNRWA, UNICEF, and WHO.
Campaign Details
The United Nations News Service posted on X that the campaign must reach at least 90% coverage in both rounds. Discussions with Israeli authorities have secured three-day humanitarian pauses to facilitate the campaign.
Polio Concerns
Poliovirus was detected in July 2024 in environmental samples from Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah. Three children with suspected acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), a common symptom of polio, have been reported in Gaza. Polio is a highly contagious virus that can lead to severe health issues, including paralysis and death.
Doubts Revealed
WHO -: WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a part of the United Nations that works to improve health and fight diseases all over the world.
Polio -: Polio is a disease caused by a virus that can make people very sick and can even cause paralysis. Vaccines can protect people from getting polio.
Gaza -: Gaza is a small region located along the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Israel and Egypt. It is home to many people and has faced many challenges.
UNRWA -: UNRWA stands for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. It helps Palestinian refugees with things like education, health care, and food.
UNICEF -: UNICEF stands for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. It works to help children around the world get things like food, education, and healthcare.
Humanitarian pauses -: Humanitarian pauses are short breaks in conflicts or fighting to allow help, like food and medicine, to reach people who need it.
90% coverage -: 90% coverage means that the goal is to vaccinate 90 out of every 100 children in Gaza to protect them from polio.
