Rabat – As the WHO’s polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is about to commence, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that peace is “the best medicine” to protect children in the besieged enclave.
During a Friday press briefing, the WHO chief confirmed that the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to reach more than 640,000 children under the age of ten in Gaza. These children are intended to receive two doses given in two rounds, four weeks apart.
Dr Tedros confirmed that 102 million doses have been delivered to Gaza, while 400,000 more will arrive soon.
To prepare for the campaign the WHO has trained more than 2,180 health care workers, and launched community outreach programs to inform local people of the importance of the vaccinations.
The WHO’s aim is to reach 90% coverage during each round of the campaign in order to prevent “the international spread of Polio” through a phased approach over three days in each round, starting with central Gaza, before moving south, concluding in northern Gaza.
Dr Tedros however emphasized the difficulties the campaign faces in the war-torn area. “The campaign is made more difficult by insecurity, damage to roads and infrastructure, three days in each area is unlikely to be enough to achieve adequate coverage,” he highlighted.
If needed, the vaccination round will be extended by one day if WHO monitoring reports inadequate coverage.
Adhanom Ghebreyesu expressed gratitude for the effective partnership that made the rapid action to stop the spread of Polio possible, thanking the Palestinian Ministry of Health, UNICEF, UNRWA, and other partners of the campaign.
He also made an indirect remark towards Israel, which has routinely targeted healthcare facilities and healthcare workers during the nearly year-long assault on Gaza..He welcomed “the commitment to humanitarian pauses in specific areas,” but urged “all parties to ensure their protection and that of health facilities and children.”
“The only solution to safeguard the children of Gaza is a cease-fire, the best medicine is peace,” Adhanom Ghebreyesu concluded.
