The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced last night that it had confirmed the first case of polio in the Gaza Strip.
The infection was discovered in the city of Deir al-Balah, and a ten-month-old baby who was not vaccinated against polio fell ill.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres yesterday called on the parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip to guarantee humanitarian breaks in order to carry out vaccinations against this disease.
He said the UN was ready to launch a polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip for children under the age of ten, but added that it would be a “difficult challenge” and that it was “impossible to run a polio vaccination campaign with a war raging.” everywhere”.
“At least 95 percent vaccination coverage in each of the two vaccination rounds will be needed to prevent the spread of polio and reduce its occurrence given the devastation in Gaza,” added the UN Secretary-General.
The polio virus was detected in sewage in the areas of Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis, local doctors said, Srna writes.
Photo: Anadolu Agency
