DaysofPal- The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the continuation of the current ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that it is crucial to prevent the spread of polio, which remains a significant concern despite ongoing vaccination efforts.
The latest round of immunizations, conducted in late February, saw nearly 550,000 children in Gaza receiving the polio vaccine. This marks a critical step in protecting vulnerable populations, but the WHO warns that the situation is still precarious.
WHO’s director of polio eradication, Hamid Jafari, shared his optimism about the progress made in 2023, citing two successful rounds of vaccinations carried out across Gaza in September and October, which reached 95% of the targeted population. However, the discovery of six poliovirus-positive samples in sewage between December and January has raised concerns.
Jafari expressed concern about the resurgence of the disease, particularly in areas where access was limited, and now that displaced families are returning to the northern regions of Gaza. “While good work was done last year, the virus is still being detected in sewage samples,” he said. “The worry is that the movement of people could fuel the spread of the virus again. We are hoping that this ceasefire lasts because it’s not just about polio—it’s about the survival of children and entire communities.”
In the midst of this health crisis, humanitarian organizations are raising alarms about the dire conditions in Gaza. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) condemned Israeli authorities’ actions, accusing them of using humanitarian needs as a bargaining chip by cutting off electricity and preventing all aid from entering the region.
MSF has called for an immediate end to what it deems a policy of collective punishment, urging Israel to respect international humanitarian law and lift the “inhumane blockade.”
“This policy, which amounts to collective punishment, must be immediately stopped,” MSF said in a statement.
“Israel’s allies have purposefully ignored this grave violation of international humanitarian law and normalized this conduct.”
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) also voiced concern about the dwindling supplies in Gaza. As the Israeli blockade stretches into its second week, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is struggling to maintain critical medical services. With limited resources, they are being forced to ration lifesaving supplies, placing immense pressure on healthcare workers and volunteers.
“This puts our volunteers and staff in an impossible position, where they are forced to make critical decisions under even greater pressure,” said the IFRC. Despite these challenges, the PRCS continues to operate mobile health clinics, ambulance services, and field hospitals in an effort to mitigate the crisis.
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