Northern Gaza Polio Campaign Delayed Amid Intensifying Conflict: WHO

GAZA CITY: The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the postponement of the third phase of its polio vaccination campaign, initially set to commence today in the northern Gaza Strip, due to escalating violence, ongoing heavy shelling, and orders for mass displacement. According to Oman News Agency, WHO stated that the current conditions, marked by continuous attacks on civilian infrastructure, have compromised the safety and mobility of residents in northern Gaza. These conditions have rendered it impossible for families to safely bring their children for vaccination or for health workers to carry out their tasks effectively. The final phase of the polio vaccination campaign aimed to reach over 119,000 children in the northern Gaza Strip, according to WHO. The organization emphasized the critical need for vaccinations to prevent the spread of polio, highlighting the impact that the postponement could have on public health in the region.