In brief
This weekend, a significant polio vaccination campaign for children in Gaza was underway, despite setbacks due to conflict and evacuations affecting northern regions.
In an urgent effort to combat polio, thousands of children in Gaza City received their second vaccine dose this weekend, following a postponed campaign due to intensifying Israeli attacks and mandatory evacuations. The vaccination initiative, initially set to begin on October 23, faced delays due to safety concerns for health workers amid the violence. United Nations and UNICEF officials highlighted that about 15,000 children under 10 years old in northern regions remain unreachable, which could hinder the campaign's overall effectiveness. The Israeli military has focused operations on northern Gaza, claiming to target Hamas forces. Recent reports indicate that over 58,000 children have been vaccinated, with efforts continuing through Monday as the situation evolves.
