Polio Resurfaces in Gaza: A Comprehensive Analysis

On Friday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported the first case of polio in the Gaza city of Deir al-Balah in over a decade. The 10-month-old infant, who exhibited symptoms of the highly contagious disease, had not yet received the polio vaccine.

Confirmation and Spread

Tests conducted in Amman, Jordan, confirmed the poliovirus infection in the baby. Additionally, wastewater samples collected last month revealed the presence of the virus in Gaza. The Palestinian ministry has launched an urgent vaccination campaign targeting children under the age of 10 over the coming days.

International Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have called for a seven-day ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate the vaccination of 640,000 Palestinian children. The campaign will comprise two rounds, with the first scheduled for the end of August. The WHO has stressed that at least 95% of children must be vaccinated to prevent the spread of polio.

History and Concerns

The Gaza Strip has been polio-free for the past 25 years. However, the invasion of southern Israel by Hamas in October 2023 raised concerns about the re-emergence of the disease. The WHO has warned that a ceasefire is crucial for ensuring public health security in Gaza and the region.

Vaccine Distribution

Over 1.6 million doses of the polio vaccine and equipment to maintain their efficacy will be transported through Ben Gurion Airport in Israel and subsequently to the Gaza Strip by the end of August. The WHO has emphasized the importance of adhering to the vaccination schedule to protect children.

Additional Information

Three children in Gaza have been diagnosed with “acute flaccid paralysis,” a symptom commonly associated with polio. Their stool samples have been sent for further testing. The WHO has linked the variant of type 2 poliovirus discovered in Gaza to a strain detected in Egypt in 2023.

Conclusion

The resurgence of polio in Gaza underscores the importance of vaccination and the need for international cooperation. The upcoming vaccination campaign is a crucial step in preventing the spread of the disease and safeguarding the health of children in Gaza. The humanitarian community must continue to advocate for a ceasefire and work together to ensure the well-being of the Palestinian people.