Health officials in Gaza have raised urgent concerns about a potential outbreak of polio, citing the catastrophic collapse of the healthcare system in the region. “The current health conditions pose a serious threat not only to Palestinians but also to neighboring countries,” stated a spokesperson from Gaza’s Ministry of Health. This warning comes on the heels of evidence suggesting the presence of the poliovirus within the water supply and sewage systems across Gaza.
In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced plans to dispatch over one million doses of the polio vaccine to combat this alarming situation. “Although no cases of polio have been recorded in Gaza so far, without immediate action, an outbreak among thousands of unprotected children is inevitable,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He emphasized that children under five years, particularly newborns, are at heightened risk, many having gone without vaccinations during ten months of ongoing conflict.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, according to UN humanitarian coordinator Sigrid Kaag, who recently visited the region. “Civilians are trapped in a horrific vortex of human suffering,” she stated. Kaag highlighted that many children in local hospitals suffer from dire health conditions and chronic illnesses due to inadequate medical care and resources.
“Ten months into this tragedy, we have witnessed unimaginable devastation affecting both physical health and mental well-being,” Kaag continued. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports staggering figures, with casualties reaching 39,175 dead and over 90,403 injured due to continued military actions; just recently, Israeli forces killed more than 33 people and injured over ten others.
Human rights organizations have long warned that diseases could spread rapidly due to blockades, a lack of clean water, and deteriorating health care infrastructure. As fears mount regarding a polio outbreak amid these distressing circumstances, it is imperative for global entities to respond effectively and swiftly to avert another public health disaster in Gaza
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