The emergency response to a polio outbreak in the Gaza Strip is pressing forward, with a mass vaccination campaign scheduled to take place from February 22 to February 26, 2025. The campaign will administer the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to more than 591,000 children under the age of 10. This initiative follows the detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples, a clear sign that the virus is still circulating and posing a serious risk to children’s health.
Polio, a highly contagious viral disease, spreads through the fecal-oral route, making it particularly dangerous in environments with poor sanitation. In Gaza, the current conditions overcrowding in shelters, damaged water and sanitation infrastructure, and disrupted healthcare services create an environment where the virus can spread easily. The recent ceasefire has allowed for increased movement within the region, which, while beneficial for humanitarian efforts, also increases the potential for the virus to spread further.
Gaps in immunity allow poliovirus to thrive, making vaccination campaigns crucial to containing and eliminating the disease. Even though previous vaccination efforts in September and October 2024 successfully reached over 95% of the targeted population, the continued presence of poliovirus in the environment highlights the need for further action. Without comprehensive immunization coverage, the virus can continue circulating, endangering unvaccinated children not only in Gaza but across the region.
In 2024, healthcare workers faced immense challenges in accessing certain areas, particularly in central, northern, and southern Gaza. Regions such as Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun remained largely inaccessible due to ongoing conflict, leaving approximately 7,000 children without polio vaccinations. However, with the current ceasefire in place, healthcare workers now have improved access to these areas, allowing them to target previously missed children in the upcoming vaccination round.
Although no new polio cases have been reported since August 2024, when a ten-month-old child was paralyzed due to the virus, the discovery of poliovirus in wastewater samples collected in December 2024 and January 2025 confirms continued transmission. The detected strain is genetically linked to the poliovirus found in Gaza in July 2024, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and immunization efforts.
The February 2025 vaccination campaign is designed to reach every child under the age of 10, particularly those who missed previous rounds. Administering multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine strengthens immunity and helps prevent further spread of the disease. An additional vaccination round is already planned for April to ensure comprehensive coverage and to close immunity gaps.
The campaign is being led by the Palestinian Ministry of Health with critical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and other international partners. These organizations are working together to ensure that vaccines reach all children, even in hard-to-access areas.
Polio vaccines are safe, effective, and essential in stopping outbreaks. There is no limit to the number of doses a child can receive; each additional dose strengthens protection. During an active outbreak, multiple rounds of vaccination are needed to ensure that every child is fully protected.
As WHO, UNICEF, and their partners continue their efforts to combat polio in Gaza, they also emphasize the importance of a lasting ceasefire. A peaceful and stable environment is essential not only for vaccination campaigns but also for broader healthcare improvements and long-term public health security.
With coordinated efforts and sustained immunization campaigns, the goal of eliminating polio in Gaza remains within reach. However, continued global support and local cooperation are critical to ensuring that every child is protected from this preventable disease.
