International relief organisations and healthcare workers are calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate the delivery of polio vaccines.
In a joint statement issued by 20 international relief organisations and health workers, the urgent need to deliver polio vaccines to Gaza was emphasized.
The statement highlighted that at least 50,000 children have been born during the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza, with their chances of receiving vaccinations drastically reduced due to the collapse of the healthcare system.
The organisations also pointed out that routine vaccinations for older children, out of nearly one million in Gaza, have been disrupted by the ongoing violence and displacement.
They warned that the resurgence of the polio virus in Gaza is a direct result of the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure and the restrictions imposed by the Israeli government.
Gaza’s healthcare system has been under severe strain due to years of conflict, blockades, and a lack of resources. The ongoing violence has further exacerbated the situation, making it difficult to maintain essential health services, including vaccination programs.
Polio, a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis, has been largely eradicated globally, but conflict zones like Gaza are at high risk for its resurgence due to disrupted healthcare services.
The destruction of infrastructure and restricted access to healthcare have left the population, particularly children, vulnerable to preventable diseases.
