Intensive Polio Vaccination Campaign Targets Displaced Children in Gaza

Gaza: The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has launched an intensive polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip, aiming to reach displaced children in various shelters and camps amidst challenging conditions. The campaign, which began its second round on Tuesday, has mobilized mobile teams to deliver vaccines directly to those in need. According to Maan News Agency, the initiative was organized in response to the increased risks associated with polio and the additional challenges posed by recent shelling and restricted movement in the area. The Red Crescent has set up vaccination points at several of its health centers across Gaza, including in Deir al-Balah, al-Bassa, al-Sawariha, al-Zawaida, and al-Nuseirat. The focus on reaching displaced populations is part of a broader effort to ensure no child is left vulnerable to the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has shown strong support for this initiative, with a delegation visiting the Gaza Strip to oversee the progress of the campaign. The delegation, led by Mr. Rick Peeperkorn, WHO's representative in the Palestinian territories, and Dr. Fath Al-Rahman, a polio expert, praised the organization and execution of the vaccination efforts during their visit to the Red Crescent Center in Deir Al-Balah. Dr. Fath Al-Rahman highlighted the success of the campaign's first phase, which targeted 951,000 children across Gaza. "Yesterday's campaign was very promising, achieving high coverage and we were able to vaccinate 50% of the targeted children," he stated. This achievement reflects significant community engagement and the effective coordination of the PRCS teams at various sites. The campaign is set to continue over the coming days, with the goal of achieving comprehensive coverage to protect the children of Gaza from the risks of polio. The PRCS has affirmed its commitment to completing the campaign and ensuring the availability of vaccines to all targeted children in the region.