Baghdad-INA
Six people, including four children, were injured after a Zionist bombed a polio vaccination center in the northern Gaza Strip, according to the Director-General of the World Health Organization.
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on platform X, “The Sheikh Radwan Primary Health Care Center in northern Gaza was bombed today as parents of children were taking them for vaccination against polio, in an area that saw a humanitarian ceasefire agreed to allow the referendum. continue the vaccination process.”
A member of the Civil Defense in Gaza confirmed that at least three people were injured by shrapnel from a missile fired by an Israeli drone on one of the walls of the health center located west of Gaza City.
The polio vaccination campaign resumed on Saturday in the northern Gaza Strip, where intense Zionist military operations are currently taking place.
The World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have received assurances that the areas designated for vaccination where parents will bring their children to receive the second dose of the oral vaccine are safe.
The World Health Organization confirmed that around 119,000 children in the northern Gaza Strip are waiting to receive a second dose of the vaccine to protect them from this disease, which could leave serious effects.
The World Health Organization began a large-scale vaccination campaign on September 1 to prevent the spread of the epidemic, following the discovery of the first case of polio, the only case so far in the Gaza Strip in 25 years.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Public Health Expert on the Recent Attack on a Polio Vaccination Center
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. With the recent tragic incident in Baghdad, where a vaccination center was bombed, we have seen a significant impact on public health and safety. To discuss this alarming situation, we have Dr. Amina Al-Hassan, a public health expert specializing in vaccination programs in conflict zones. Dr. Al-Hassan, welcome.
Dr. Amina Al-Hassan: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, though the circumstances are deeply concerning.
Editor: Absolutely. Could you start by providing some context on why vaccination centers are critical, particularly in regions like northern Iraq?
Dr. Al-Hassan: Of course. Vaccination centers play a crucial role in protecting public health, especially in areas prone to outbreaks of preventable diseases. In regions like northern Iraq, where access to healthcare is already limited due to ongoing conflict and instability, these centers are vital to ensure that vulnerable populations, particularly children, receive necessary vaccinations like those for polio. Attacks on these facilities not only endanger lives but also compromise public health efforts.
Editor: It’s heartbreaking to hear that. In this recent attack, six people were injured, including four children. What does this mean for the community’s trust in vaccination efforts?
Dr. Al-Hassan: This incident will undoubtedly shatter trust in vaccination programs. When communities see violence associated with healthcare initiatives, it instills fear and hesitancy among parents regarding the safety of taking their children to these centers. This can lead to lower vaccination rates, which increases the risk of disease outbreaks in the future.
Editor: Given this backdrop, what can be done to rebuild that trust and ensure that vaccination efforts continue?
Dr. Al-Hassan: Rebuilding trust is a multi-faceted approach. First, it’s essential to engage with community leaders and influencers who can advocate for the importance of vaccinations. Transparent communication about safety measures taken at centers can also help. Additionally, it may be necessary to provide mobile vaccination units, which can reach communities while minimizing risks associated with attending centralized clinics.
Editor: That sounds like a proactive approach, but how feasible is that in a conflict-ridden area?
Dr. Al-Hassan: While challenging, it is not impossible. Organizations and governments can collaborate with local NGOs that have a better grasp of the terrain and political landscape. Training community health workers who understand the local context can facilitate outreach efforts. However, the support of the international community is crucial to provide both resources and protection for these vital services.
Editor: What are the potential long-term implications of this attack if it goes unaddressed?
Dr. Al-Hassan: If incidents like these continue to go unaddressed, we risk not only the resurgence of diseases like polio but also overall deterioration of healthcare infrastructure in the region. This can set back progress by decades and result in unnecessary loss of life, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Editor: It’s a somber reflection on the state of health in conflict zones. As we look ahead, what message do you want to convey to our readers regarding the importance of supporting vaccination efforts everywhere?
Dr. Al-Hassan: I want to stress that vaccination is a global public health priority. Solidarity and support for healthcare initiatives in conflict-ridden areas are essential. We must advocate for the safety of healthcare workers and facilities because every child deserves the right to access vaccinations, regardless of their circumstances. Our public health is only as strong as our weakest link, and ignoring these issues is not an option.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Hassan, for your insights. It’s vital that we continue to highlight these challenges and the importance of public health initiatives in the face of adversity.
Dr. Al-Hassan: Thank you for having this conversation. It’s crucial to keep raising awareness about these issues.
Editor: Thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Let us remain vigilant and supportive of efforts to protect healthcare in every corner of the globe.