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Success for Polio Campaign in Gaza While West Bank Tensions Continue
Gaza City/Ramallah – February 25, 2025, 12:00 GMT – A comprehensive polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip has achieved remarkable success, reaching over 95% of children under five, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Palestinian Ministry of Health. This achievement comes amidst persistent and escalating tensions in the West Bank, where humanitarian access remains severely restricted, hindering crucial health initiatives.
The Gaza campaign, launched in early February, utilized a combination of door-to-door vaccinations and outreach at community centers and schools. Despite ongoing challenges, including frequent power outages and logistical hurdles, the campaign benefited from strong community engagement and collaboration between local health workers and international organizations.
“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment of our frontline health workers in Gaza,” said Dr. Mai al-Khatib, spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Health. “Their tireless efforts have ensured that almost every child in the Gaza Strip is now protected against this debilitating disease. This success is a testament to the resilience of our community and the power of collaborative action.”
The campaign was initiated following the detection of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in a neighboring region last year, raising concerns about potential spread. The swift and decisive action taken by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, with support from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and various NGOs, prevented a potential outbreak in the densely populated Gaza Strip.
“The success in Gaza demonstrates that even in the most challenging environments, effective public health interventions are possible when resources are prioritized and partnerships are strong,” stated Lucia Elmi, UNICEF’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “However, this achievement should not overshadow the critical needs that persist throughout the region, particularly in the West Bank.”
West Bank Crisis Deepens
While the Gaza polio campaign offers a rare glimmer of hope, the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate. Increased Israeli security operations, coupled with heightened tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents, have led to significant disruptions in humanitarian access. Movement restrictions, road closures, and security checkpoints are impeding the delivery of essential medical supplies, including vaccines and medications, to vulnerable communities.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence and the growing restrictions on movement in the West Bank,” said Ahmed Salah, a field coordinator for a local NGO operating in the region. “Our ability to reach communities in need is becoming increasingly difficult, and the health and well-being of thousands of people are at risk.”
Reports from the West Bank indicate a sharp rise in cases of preventable diseases, including respiratory infections and diarrheal illnesses, particularly among children. Limited access to clean water and sanitation, compounded by overcrowding in refugee camps, is exacerbating the health crisis.
The WHO has repeatedly called for unimpeded humanitarian access to the West Bank and urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law. “It is imperative that health workers and humanitarian organizations are allowed to carry out their work safely and without obstruction,” said Dr. Richard Brennan, WHO’s Regional Emergency Director. “The denial of access to healthcare is a violation of fundamental human rights.”
Looking Ahead
The contrasting situations in Gaza and the West Bank highlight the complex challenges facing the Palestinian territories. While the success of the polio campaign in Gaza provides a valuable lesson in effective public health response, the escalating crisis in the West Bank demands urgent attention and concerted action.
International organizations are calling for:
- An immediate cessation of violence and de-escalation of tensions in the West Bank.
- Unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas of the West Bank.
- Increased funding for humanitarian assistance to address the growing needs of vulnerable populations.
- Renewed efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict.
The success in Gaza shows what can be achieved with dedication and cooperation. However, the international community must not allow this positive development to distract from the urgent need to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the West Bank and ensure the health and well-being of all Palestinians. The global focus will continue to be on ensuring the gains made in Gaza are sustained while simultaneously addressing the critical needs and escalating tensions in the West Bank.
Success for polio campaign in Gaza while West Bank tensions continue
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Humanitarian Aid a new article on 2025-02-25 12:00 titled “Success for polio campaign in Gaza while West Bank tensions continue”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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