Gaza's First Type 2 Polio Case in 25 Years Paralyses 10-Month-Old Amid Conflict

Aug 23, 2024, 08:58 AM

The Gaza Strip has reported its first case of type 2 polio in 25 years, with a 10-month-old baby in Deir al-Balah confirmed to be paralyzed due to the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other UN agencies, including UNRWA, are preparing a vaccination campaign aimed at over 640,000 children under 10 years old in the region. The outbreak is attributed to the destruction of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure, exacerbated by ongoing conflict. Aid organizations warn of a potential health catastrophe if a ceasefire is not established to allow for vaccination efforts. The situation highlights the severe impact of the conflict on Gaza's healthcare system, which is struggling to cope with the crisis.