Gaza Reports First Polio Case in 25 Years, Urgent Vaccination Efforts Needed

In a troubling development, Gaza has reported its first case of polio in 25 years, affecting a 10-month-old baby who had not received vaccination. The infant is currently in stable condition, having developed paralysis in one leg. This resurgence of poliovirus is a stark reminder of the region's deteriorating public health situation amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. Poliovirus, which primarily spreads through contaminated water and sewage, is highly infectious and can cause severe consequences, including paralysis and death. Children under five are particularly vulnerable to this disease, making the recent case in Gaza alarming for health officials and humanitarian organizations alike. The rise of polio in Gaza has been attributed to the significant disruptions in child vaccination programs, exacerbated by widespread damage to water and sanitation infrastructure due to the war. As the conflict escalates, humanitarian groups have been sounding the alarm about the risks to children’s health and the urgent need for vaccination initiatives. In response to the alarming health crisis, the United Nations has called for a week-long ceasefire to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign aimed at reaching over 640,000 children under 10 years old in Gaza. UN Secretary General António Guterres highlighted the urgency of the situation, stressing that “hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza [are] at risk.” He outlined the critical requirements for the success of the vaccination campaign, which include safe transport for vaccines and equipment, as well as the entry of health experts into the region. To aid in this effort, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the release of 1.6 million doses of polio vaccine, with UNICEF coordinating their delivery, including necessary cold storage units. Medical teams from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) are prepared to administer the vaccines upon their arrival in Gaza. Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, expressed deep concern over this resurgence of polio, calling it “another sobering reminder of how chaotic, desperate and dangerous the situation has become” in the region. This case underscores the severe consequences of the ongoing conflict on public health and safety. Since the onset of the current military campaign by Israel, which began after an unprecedented attack by Hamas gunmen on October 7, the situation in Gaza has spiraled, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 40,265 deaths—a figure that includes many women and children. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that they have sent numerous vials of polio vaccine to Gaza, with plans for additional deliveries. However, the ongoing violence poses significant challenges to ensuring the safety of health workers and the effective distribution of medical supplies. The re-emergence of polio in Gaza is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a coordinated response to protect vulnerable populations in conflict zones. Without immediate action and international cooperation, the health crisis in Gaza may worsen, putting countless children at risk of preventable diseases like polio. As the situation unfolds, the call for humanitarian access and support remains paramount to safeguard the lives of the youngest and most vulnerable in the region.