UN Confirms First Polio Case in Gaza in 25 Years Amid Ongoing Conflict

The United Nations has reported a confirmed case of polio in a 10-month-old baby in Gaza, marking the first instance of the disease in the region in 25 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the infant, who has paralysis in the lower left leg, is in stable condition. This case follows the declaration of a polio epidemic in Gaza after the poliovirus was detected in multiple water samples, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease in an area already facing severe humanitarian challenges. Health officials attribute the resurgence of polio to the ongoing conflict, which has severely damaged sanitation services in Gaza. With raw sewage contaminating the streets and limited access to clean water, the risk of disease transmission has escalated. Experts warn that without immediate intervention, polio could spread to other regions, affecting both Palestinian and Israeli children. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general for the UN Relief and Works Agency, emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian pause to facilitate vaccination efforts. In response to the outbreak, the WHO plans to initiate a vaccination campaign in late August and September 2024. However, logistical challenges remain, as the health infrastructure in Gaza has been devastated by ongoing violence. The Israeli military has announced plans to provide vaccines for its soldiers but has not extended similar support to the Palestinian population, raising concerns about equitable access to healthcare. As the situation develops, the UN and health officials continue to call for cooperation between Israel and Hamas to ensure that vaccination efforts can reach the most vulnerable populations in Gaza, particularly children under five, who are at the highest risk of contracting polio.