The polio vaccination campaign's first phase in central Gaza occurred between 1–3 September 2024. Over 187,000 children under ten were vaccinated with the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), exceeding the initial target of 157,000 children. Vaccination coverage was expanded in areas outside the humanitarian pause zone due to population movement towards central Gaza.
To ensure that no child is missed, polio vaccination activities will continue at four large health facilities in central Gaza over the next few days. Vaccine doses have been supplied to these sites to meet any additional needs.
513 teams, consisting of over 2,180 health and community outreach workers, conducted the first phase of the campaign. Vaccination was provided at 143 fixed sites and through mobile teams that visited hard-to-reach areas.
Preparations are now underway for the next phase of the campaign, which will be carried out in southern Gaza from 5–8 September 2024, targeting an estimated 340,000 children below ten years of age. The third and final phase will be implemented in northern Gaza from 9–11 September 2024, targeting around 150,000 children.
At least 90% vaccination coverage is needed during each round of the campaign to stop the outbreak. The campaign is being conducted by the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and other partners.
Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the occupied Palestinian territory, emphasized the importance of peace for the health and well-being of people in Gaza and called on all parties to continue fulfilling their commitment to the humanitarian pauses as the second phase of the campaign begins.
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