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The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has underscored the urgent need for humanitarian pauses to advance polio vaccination campaigns in conflict zones of Gaza. This call comes amid escalating challenges in delivering critical health services to vulnerable populations.
In Gaza, polio has been a concern due to its resurgence, particularly affecting young children who are most vulnerable to the disease. The areas with reported cases are generally those with lower vaccination coverage and where healthcare access may be limited.
Polio, a debilitating viral disease, remains a significant threat in regions plagued by conflict and instability. According to UNRWA, areas with ongoing violence and displacement face severe obstacles in vaccination efforts, exacerbating the risk of outbreaks. The agency emphasizes that humanitarian pauses—temporary ceasefires or reductions in hostilities—are crucial to enable healthcare workers to safely administer vaccines and conduct essential immunization campaigns.
The agency also calls on all parties involved in conflicts to prioritize the health needs of civilians and collaborate with humanitarian organizations to provide safe access to vaccination services.
In regions where conflict disrupts routine healthcare services, the risk of polio resurgence is heightened. The disease, which primarily affects children, can lead to lifelong paralysis or even death if left untreated. Despite global progress towards eradication, the presence of polio in conflict zones undermines years of public health efforts and threatens to reverse gains made in other parts of the world.
UNRWA’s appeal highlights the need for coordinated international support to facilitate these pauses. By allowing temporary breaks in conflict, humanitarian pauses can ensure that vaccination teams reach affected populations, thereby preventing outbreaks and safeguarding children’s health.