In a significant public health achievement, more than 187,000 children under the age of 10 received the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) in central Gaza during the first phase of a two-round polio vaccination campaign. Conducted from September 1–3, 2024, the campaign surpassed its initial target of 157,000 children due to population movements toward central Gaza and expanded coverage beyond the designated humanitarian pause zone.

To ensure that no child is left unvaccinated, polio vaccinations will continue at four large health facilities in central Gaza over the coming days, with additional vaccine doses supplied to meet any remaining needs.

Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the occupied Palestinian territory, praised the collaborative efforts that made the campaign a success despite the region’s challenging conditions. "It has been extremely encouraging to see thousands of children being able to access polio vaccines, with the support of their resilient families and courageous health workers, despite the deplorable conditions they have braved over the last 11 months," he said. "All parties respected the humanitarian pause, and we hope to see this positive momentum continue."

The campaign was executed by 513 teams of over 2,180 health and community outreach workers, who provided vaccinations at 143 fixed sites, including hospitals, primary care centers, camps for displaced persons, and key public gathering areas. Mobile teams also visited tents and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring access for families unable to reach vaccination sites. Special missions were deployed to areas like Al-Maghazi, Al-Bureij, and Al-Mussader—regions just outside the humanitarian pause zone—where insecurity had initially hindered access.

Preparations for Next Phases

The next phase of the vaccination campaign is set to take place from September 5–8, targeting an estimated 340,000 children in southern Gaza. A total of 517 teams, including 384 mobile units, will be deployed to ensure widespread coverage. Nearly 300 community outreach workers have already started engaging families to raise awareness, while 490 vaccine carriers, 90 cold storage boxes, and other supplies have been delivered to Khan Younis for distribution.

The final phase of the campaign will occur from September 9–11 in northern Gaza, where an additional 150,000 children are expected to be vaccinated.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat the Polio Outbreak

At least 90% vaccination coverage is needed during each round of the campaign to halt the outbreak, prevent the international spread of polio, and reduce the risk of re-emergence. Given the severely disrupted health, water, and sanitation systems in Gaza, the campaign’s flexible strategies ensure that vaccinations continue until coverage targets are met.

The two-round campaign, organized by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, UNRWA, and other key partners, aims to deliver two drops of nOPV2 to approximately 640,000 children during each round.

Dr. Peeperkorn emphasized the importance of continued coordination and peace during the campaign. "The successful delivery of the first phase in central Gaza is a culmination of immense coordination among various partners, including the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and donors, and underscores the importance of peace for the health and well-being of people in Gaza. We call on all parties to continue fulfilling their commitment to the humanitarian pauses as the second phase begins."