UNRWA: 93,000 children vaccinated in second round of polio immunization campaign in Gaza

RAMALLAH: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that it was able to vaccinate about 93,000 children under the age of ten in the central areas of the Gaza Strip, as part of the second round of the polio immunization campaign. It stated in a statement via X that "despite the escalation of the war and the ongoing challenges, the second round of the polio immunization campaign was launched yesterday in the central areas of Gaza." It added, "The best vaccine for children is a ceasefire and peace." Earlier yesterday, Minister of Health Majed Abu Ramadan announced the launch of the second round of the polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip, for children under the age of ten. He pointed out that the vaccination campaign will consist of three stages, the first in the central area in Deir al-Balah and will last for three days, and will be from October 14 to 17, and can be extended for an additional day. He pointed out that the second dose of the oral polio vaccine n O PV will be given, in addition to vitamin A, which enhances children's immunity, helps them resist infection, and contributes to improving vision and healthy growth. The campaign aims to vaccinate 591,700 children under the age of ten, and fixed and mobile teams will be deployed to complete the campaign. The Ministry of Health stressed that the success of this campaign depends on the humanitarian truce to ensure the ability of all workers in the field of polio control to work in a safe environment, and enable families to obtain vaccination for children. Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA