This case follows the earlier detection of type 2 poliovirus in Gaza’s wastewater. In response, the United Nations has urged for temporary ceasefires in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to facilitate a vaccination campaign aimed at protecting over 640,000 children.
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The UN plans to conduct two seven-day vaccination campaigns starting in late August, though these efforts hinge on securing pauses in the fighting. The resurgence of polio in Gaza also poses a threat to neighboring regions. To support the vaccination effort, more than 1.6 million doses of a new polio vaccine are expected to arrive soon.
The health crisis in Gaza is exacerbated by severe shortages of medical supplies, damaged healthcare infrastructure, and restricted access to care due to blockades and attacks. Top medical facilities in the war-torn region are struggling to manage the influx of casualties and the destruction of healthcare facilities. While international organizations and NGOs are providing critical support, the scale of need and the ongoing conflict present significant challenges for delivering effective healthcare.
