Gaza: Strike hits health centre as polio vaccine campaign resumes in ravaged north
- Date: 2024-11-02 12:00
- Source: Top Stories
Summary:
The resumption of a polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza was disrupted after an airstrike hit a health centre in the area, according to health officials.
The strike occurred on Wednesday, 2024-11-02, as health workers were preparing to administer the vaccine to children in the war-ravaged area. The attack damaged the health centre and injured several staff members.
Details:
The airstrike hit the health centre in the town of Beit Hanoun, which is located in the northern Gaza Strip. The centre was one of several designated vaccination sites in the area, where an estimated 10,000 children were targeted for vaccination.
“We were just about to start the vaccination campaign when the airstrike happened,” said Dr. Ahmed al-Safi, a health worker at the centre. “We had to evacuate the children and staff immediately.”
Dr. al-Safi said that several staff members were injured in the attack, including a nurse who was hit by shrapnel. The nurse was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The airstrike has disrupted the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza, which is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing conflict. The campaign is part of a broader effort by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eradicate polio from the region.
“We are deeply concerned by the airstrike on the health centre,” said Dr. Gerald Rockenschaub, the WHO representative for the occupied Palestinian territories. “This attack not only undermines the polio vaccination campaign, but also puts the lives of children at risk.”
Background:
Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis and even death. It is spread through contact with infected faeces or saliva. The polio vaccine is safe and effective, and it has been used to eradicate polio from most parts of the world.
However, polio remains a threat in some conflict-affected areas, such as Gaza. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has damaged health infrastructure and disrupted vaccination campaigns, making children more vulnerable to disease.
Response:
The WHO and other humanitarian organizations are calling for an end to the violence in Gaza and for safe access to health services for all children. They are also urging all parties to the conflict to respect the neutrality of health facilities and health workers.
Gaza: Strike hits health centre as polio vaccine campaign resumes in ravaged north
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