Second Round of Polio campaign in Gaza Completed Amid Ongoing Conflict, Attacks

The second phase of the polio vaccination initiative in the Gaza Strip was successfully concluded yesterday, with a total of 556,774 children under the age of 10 receiving their second dose of the polio vaccine. 

Additionally, 448,425 children aged between 2 and 10 years were administered vitamin A, following the completion of three phases over the past weeks.

Administrative records indicate that approximately 94% of the targeted population of 591,714 children under 10 years old received a second dose of nOPV2 throughout the Gaza Strip, which is a significant accomplishment considering the challenging conditions under which the campaign was conducted.

The campaign achieved coverage rates of 103% in central Gaza and 91% in southern Gaza. However, in northern Gaza, where access was restricted, preliminary data show that about 88% coverage was attained. It is estimated that between 7,000 and 10,000 children in hard-to-reach areas such as Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun remain unvaccinated and at risk of poliovirus infection. 

This situation also heightens the potential for further transmission of the poliovirus within the Gaza Strip and to neighboring regions.

The conclusion of this second phase marks the end of the polio vaccination campaign that commenced in September 2024. This phase was executed in three segments across central, southern, and northern Gaza, aligned with area-specific humanitarian pauses. While the first two segments proceeded as intended, the third segment in northern Gaza was temporarily halted on October 23 due to severe bombardments, widespread displacements, and uncertainties regarding humanitarian pauses and access.

Following a thorough evaluation by a technical committee, which includes representatives from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the campaign resumed on November 2.

However, the areas covered by the assured humanitarian pauses during this phase were significantly reduced compared to the initial round, with access limited primarily to Gaza City.