Intensifying preparations to combat polio in Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is acute and continues to worsen. After more than nine months of conflict, the health status of the population has deteriorated significantly. This is due, among other things, to malnutrition, lack of clean water, lack of sanitation, and a severely weakened health care system.

Polio virus was detected this week in sewage samples. No cases have been reported so far, but the World Health Organization still estimates that the risk of the disease spreading is very high. Polio is a disease that can lead to serious complications such as deformities and paralysis in children. It was eradicated in Gaza more than 25 years ago thanks to a massive vaccination campaign.

“This risk must be taken seriously, not least because polio primarily affects the most vulnerable children, those under five. To prevent the spread of polio, immediate measures such as improving water and sanitation and resuming routine vaccinations are needed,” says Daniel Wallinder, Acting International Director of the Swedish Red Cross.

– The Palestinian Red Crescent Society is ready to provide support, in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza to start vaccination as a preventive measure.

Here are eight reasons why Gaza is a hotbed for polio, but also other vaccine-preventable diseases:

• More than nine months of conflict
• People were forced to flee again and again.
• – Deterioration of the health status of the population due to malnutrition.
• Lack of access to routine vaccination
• Overburdened healthcare system
• Shortage of medicines and medical equipment
• Poor water quality and inadequate sanitation
• Preventing access to aid and humanitarian organizations

Before the conflict, there were 397 health centres in Gaza. Today, 206 have been destroyed, and 187 are only partially functioning.