Official announcements from the United Nations, World Health Organization, or credible news sources

UN and WHO Call for Gaza Ceasefire to Vaccinate 640,000 Children Against Polio, Hamas Supports

Aug 16, 2024, 03:42 PM

The United Nations and the World Health Organization are calling for a seven-day ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign targeting over 640,000 children. The campaign, expected to launch at the end of August, is crucial as poliovirus has been detected in Gaza's wastewater, posing a significant health risk. Humanitarian pauses are deemed necessary to ensure the vaccines reach all children in need. The call for a ceasefire has received support from Hamas, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging all parties to provide concrete assurances for these humanitarian pauses.