A third mass polio vaccination campaign has begun in Gaza, aiming to administer the first dose to nearly 600,000 children across the Palestinian territory. The campaign comes at a critical time, following the detection of poliovirus in wastewater, which has raised concerns about the health risks to children.
In Jabalia, a northern city in Gaza that has suffered extensive destruction due to the conflict, many children under the age of 10 received their doses at a mosque. Health workers are racing against time to immunize as many children as possible in an effort to curb the spread of the highly contagious virus.
The vaccination effort involves multiple international organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which has mobilized over 1,700 staff members to participate. The World Health Organization has set a target of vaccinating more than 591,000 children by February 26.
This latest campaign follows two previous vaccination drives conducted in late 2024 after polio resurfaced in Gaza for the first time in more than 20 years. The resurgence of the disease has been linked to deteriorating living conditions, exacerbated by the prolonged conflict and the destruction of essential infrastructure.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire after more than 16 months of war. The ongoing crisis has severely impacted healthcare services, leaving many families struggling to access basic medical care. Even before the recent hostilities, Gaza had been under blockade for over 15 years, limiting access to vital resources.
A significant factor contributing to the reemergence of polio is the collapse of water and sanitation infrastructure. Much of the region’s water supply has been compromised, with sewage stagnating in open pools near densely populated areas. These unsanitary conditions have created an environment in which the poliovirus can spread more easily, endangering children who have not been vaccinated.
Polio is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children under the age of five. It can cause paralysis, sometimes leading to permanent disability or even death. The disease has been nearly eradicated worldwide, with vaccination campaigns playing a crucial role in preventing its spread. However, in areas with poor sanitation and low immunization coverage, polio remains a persistent threat.
Traces of the poliovirus were most recently detected in wastewater samples collected earlier in February, raising alarm among health authorities. The discovery prompted urgent action to prevent an outbreak, especially given the ongoing challenges posed by the humanitarian crisis.
In the midst of these difficulties, families in Gaza are hoping for stability and safety for their children. A resident of Jabalia, who brought his daughters to receive the vaccine, expressed his hope for a lasting peace so that children can be protected not only from disease but also from violence.
The conflict, which began in October 2023, has had devastating consequences for civilians. Although a fragile ceasefire took effect in January 2025, the long-term prospects for stability remain uncertain. The vaccination campaign serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Gaza, as they navigate both the immediate threat of disease and the broader impacts of war.
Despite the difficulties, health workers and international organizations continue their efforts to provide essential services to the population. The success of the polio vaccination drive will depend on reaching as many children as possible in a short period. With continued support, there is hope that the spread of the virus can be halted and that children in Gaza will be protected from its devastating effects.
