Health officials in the Gaza Strip are launching an emergency polio vaccination campaign from February 22 to 26, 2025, to protect children from the virus.
The campaign will provide the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to over 591,000 children under the age of 10, following the recent detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples.
This information was shared today on World Health Organisation (WHO) website.
The presence of poliovirus in the environment poses a serious risk to children, especially in Gaza’s overcrowded shelters and areas with damaged water, sanitation, and hygiene systems.
With extensive population movement following the current ceasefire, health experts warn that the virus could spread further if immunity gaps are not addressed.
Previous vaccination rounds in September and October 2024 successfully reached over 95% of the target population.
However, in some areas, including Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, about 7,000 children missed their doses due to restricted access during the conflict.
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The recent ceasefire is expected to improve access and allow health workers to reach previously missed children.
There have been no new confirmed polio cases since a 10-month-old child was paralyzed in August 2024.
However, environmental samples from Deir al Balah and Khan Younis, collected in December 2024 and January 2025, confirm that the virus is still circulating.
The detected strain is genetically linked to the poliovirus found in Gaza in July 2024, prompting health authorities to take urgent action.
The campaign is being led by the Palestinian Ministry of Health with support from the WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and other partners.
Health experts emphasize that polio vaccines are safe, and there is no limit to how many times a child can be vaccinated.
Every dose enhances protection, making it especially vital during an outbreak. An additional vaccination round is planned for April 2025 to further boost immunity levels.
WHO, UNICEF, and other global health organizations have expressed support for the recent ceasefire and continue to advocate for lasting peace to safeguard the health and well-being of all children in Gaza.
