Outbreak of Polio Epidemic in the Gaza Strip

In mid-2024, the Gaza Strip experienced its first polio outbreak in 25 years, marking a significant public health crisis in the region. The outbreak was first identified on July 16, 2024, when circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) was detected in wastewater samples from Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah. This environmental surveillance indicated the presence of the virus in the community, even before any clinical cases were reported. The first confirmed human case emerged on August 16, 2024, involving a 10-month-old child from Deir al-Balah who developed paralysis in the lower limb. This case underscored the severity of the outbreak and the vulnerability of unvaccinated children. Prior to the conflict escalation in October 2023, polio vaccination coverage in Gaza was optimal, exceeding 99%. However, by early 2024, coverage had declined to below 90%, primarily due to disruptions in healthcare services and access caused by ongoing hostilities. In response to the outbreak, the Gaza Health Ministry, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, launched an emergency vaccination campaign. The first round commenced on September 1, 2024, targeting over 640,000 children under the age of ten. Despite challenges posed by the conflict, including access restrictions and safety concerns, the campaign achieved a coverage rate of over 95% in its initial phase. A second round followed in October 2024, further bolstering immunity among the pediatric population. In early-November 2024, WHO stated it would resume polio vaccinations in northern Gaza but only in Gaza City. The following day, however, an Israeli drone reportedly bombed the polio vaccination site, the Sheikh Radwan Clinic, wounding three children.The World Health Organization later stated six people, including four children, were injured in the strike. The outbreak's emergence was attributed to several factors, including decreased immunization rates, overcrowding in shelters due to displacement, and deteriorating sanitation infrastructure. These conditions created an environment conducive to the spread of the poliovirus. The international community emphasized the need for sustained vaccination efforts and improvements in public health infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks. As of February 2025, the WHO announced the continuation of mass polio vaccination campaigns in Gaza, aiming to vaccinate over half a million children. This ongoing effort reflects the commitment to eradicating polio and safeguarding the health of Gaza's children amidst challenging circumstances. #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife #GazaPolioOutbreak #PublicHealthCrisis #VaccinationCampaign