WHO: 603K children vaccinated against polio in Gaza

CAIRO – 28 February 2025: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that improved humanitarian access has significantly enhanced the quality of the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. The latest vaccination drive successfully reached approximately 603,000 children, ensuring broader coverage across the region.

On Wednesday, WHO concluded a five-day polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, targeting children under the age of ten. The initiative administered the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) and effectively covered all five governorates under the current ceasefire conditions.

The campaign was part of an urgent response to curb the spread of polio in Gaza. This round of vaccinations reached 40,000 more children than previous efforts conducted in September and October 2024. The ongoing ceasefire allowed healthcare workers to access children who had missed earlier immunization rounds due to displacement or security restrictions, particularly in northern Gaza, including Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun.

Despite adverse weather conditions, community engagement played a crucial role in maintaining high immunization rates. In 2023, before the conflict, 89% of children in Gaza had received their third dose of the oral polio vaccine. This round of vaccinations mobilized 1,660 teams, including 1,242 mobile units and an equal number of social mobilization workers. Families actively participated by bringing their children to designated vaccination points.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health led the vaccination drive with support from WHO, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and other partners. As part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s commitment to controlling outbreaks, surveillance efforts have intensified since July 2024 to monitor polio cases and environmental transmission.

With the ceasefire providing an opportunity to restore essential public health services, WHO emphasized the importance of rebuilding Gaza’s disease surveillance system and routine immunization programs. Full polio eradication depends on ensuring every child is completely vaccinated. Additionally, sustained access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition is crucial in preventing the spread of polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

WHO, UNICEF, and their partners continue to advocate for a permanent ceasefire that fosters long-term health security and peace. A stable environment will facilitate uninterrupted healthcare services and protect children from preventable diseases, ensuring a healthier future for Gaza’s younger generations.