Today, the chief of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has confirmed that the first round of Gaza’s polio vaccination campaign has ended successfully, reaching an impressive 90 percent coverage. This is a significant achievement for the people of Gaza, who have been facing numerous challenges and hardships in recent years.
The second round of this campaign is set to begin by the end of September, delivering Gaza’s children with the much-needed protection against the deadly polio virus. This is a crucial step towards ensuring the health and well-being of the children in Gaza, who have already been through so much.
The success of the first round of the polio vaccination campaign is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the UNRWA team, as well as the cooperation and support of the Palestinian authorities and the local community. Despite the difficult circumstances, the UNRWA team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every child in Gaza receives the polio vaccine.
The polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is part of a larger effort by the UNRWA to eradicate the disease from the region. The agency has been working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the Palestinian refugees in the Near East. This includes regular immunization campaigns, as well as other health services such as maternal and child health care, mental health support, and treatment for non-communicable diseases.
The success of the first round of the polio vaccination campaign is a significant milestone in the fight against the disease. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that mainly affects young children and can lead to permanent paralysis or even death. It is a disease that has been eradicated in most parts of the world, but unfortunately, it still poses a threat in some regions, including Gaza.
The UNRWA has been working tirelessly to ensure that all children in Gaza are protected from this deadly disease. The agency has been providing the polio vaccine free of charge to all children under the age of five, regardless of their nationality or status. This is a testament to the agency’s commitment to providing essential healthcare services to the most vulnerable populations.
The success of the first round of the polio vaccination campaign is also a result of the strong partnership between the UNRWA and the Palestinian authorities. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has played a crucial role in supporting the campaign, providing logistical support and mobilizing the local community to ensure maximum participation.
The local community in Gaza has also played a vital role in the success of the campaign. The UNRWA team has been working closely with community leaders, religious leaders, and volunteers to raise awareness about the importance of the polio vaccine and to address any concerns or misconceptions. This has helped to build trust and confidence in the campaign, leading to a high turnout and coverage rate.
The second round of the polio vaccination campaign is set to begin by the end of September, and the UNRWA is determined to reach even more children this time. The agency is committed to leaving no child behind and ensuring that every child in Gaza receives the polio vaccine. This is a crucial step towards protecting the future generation and building a healthier and more resilient community.
In conclusion, the successful completion of the first round of the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is a significant achievement for the UNRWA and its partners. It is a testament to the agency’s commitment to providing essential healthcare services to the most vulnerable populations, even in the most challenging circumstances. The UNRWA remains dedicated to eradicating polio from the region and will continue to work tirelessly towards this goal. Let us all join hands and support the UNRWA in their efforts to protect the children of Gaza and ensure a healthier future for all.
