2024-08-07 18:55:21
By RTL Nieuws / ANP·0 minutes ago·Updated: 0 minutes ago
© REX by ShutterstockRTL
The World Health Organization (WHO) says it will send one million polio vaccines to the Gaza Strip. Last month, an epidemic was declared there by the Palestinian Ministry of Health after the polio virus was found in the sewage.
The vaccines are to be administered in the coming weeks, says WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The WHO previously stated that it was difficult to set up a vaccination campaign due to the war in Gaza.
No hygiene
According to human rights organizations, Palestinian refugees lack hygiene in the many refugee camps. Wastewater flows between the tents. And the virus has been found in that water.
The virus spreads primarily through feces, and the number of people with diarrhea is currently 24 times higher than normal, according to authorities in Gaza.
Polio is a highly contagious disease that can cause paralysis. The virus is transmitted from person to person through contact with the saliva or feces of an infected individual. The disease is particularly dangerous for younger children.
Israel already decided last month to vaccinate its own troops active in Gaza.
In addition to polio, many children in Gaza suffer from skin diseases. We made this video about it:
Emerging Public Health Concerns in Conflict Zones
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) decisive action to send one million polio vaccines to Gaza highlights an urgent response to a rising public health emergency. Following the recent declaration of a polio epidemic by the Palestinian health ministry, the situation underscores the critical need for sustainable healthcare solutions in regions affected by conflict.
With evidence of the poliovirus found in wastewater, the forthcoming vaccination campaign faces logistical challenges exacerbated by ongoing military operations. This scenario is not unique to Gaza; across various conflict zones, inadequate sanitation and the breakdown of healthcare systems often lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases.
Impact of War on Health Infrastructure
Conflicts severely disrupt healthcare services, leaving populations vulnerable to diseases such as polio. In Gaza, human rights organizations report that displaced populations living in makeshift camps are exposed to unsanitary conditions, where contaminated water flows through the living areas. The surge in diarrhea cases—reported to be 24 times higher than normal—further compounds the risk of viral transmission.
The Role of International Aid
International aid agencies are faced with the dual challenge of immediate crisis response and long-term health interventions. The WHO and similar organizations must navigate complex political landscapes to deliver vital healthcare resources effectively. Their efforts are at the forefront of addressing the urgent health needs of vulnerable populations, particularly children who face the highest risk of polio and other infectious diseases.
Future of Vaccination Campaigns in Conflict Areas
As the global community reflects on the implications of these health crises, future vaccination campaigns in conflict-affected regions will likely demand innovative strategies. It will be essential to develop flexible approaches that consider security issues while ensuring that vaccines reach those most in need. This may involve collaborations with local health workers, technological advancements in vaccine delivery, and preemptive measures against the spread of infectious diseases.
The aftermath of conflict also presents opportunities for rebuilding health systems—enhancing infrastructure, sanitation, and community health education. Addressing the broader determinants of health will be critical to preventing future outbreaks and safeguarding populations in vulnerable regions.