UNICEF launches second phase of polio vaccination campaign in Gaza
The UN-led polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is gearing up for its second stage, scheduled to kick off on Monday, October 14.
UNICEF chief Catherine Russell announced the latest development, revealing that the upcoming round aims to vaccinate approximately 590,000 children under the age of 10.
This follows the successful first round, which saw around 560,000 children vaccinated against polio in early September 2024.
The campaign is crucial in protecting children from the re-emergence of polio in the Gaza Strip, which had been polio-free for 25 years. With the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, ensuring children’s access to life-saving vaccines is more vital than ever.
“Area-specific humanitarian pauses have been agreed,” Russell said. “It’s critical that these pauses are respected by all parties. Without them, it is impossible to vaccinate the children.”
She added: “With the additional vaccine equipment & cold boxes that arrived yesterday, UNICEF is ready to deliver & vaccinate children to stop the transmission of polio. The success of the first round shows that when agreements are respected, we can get the job done.”