Gaza Strip: An emergency vaccination campaign, spearheaded by the UAE, has successfully administered polio vaccines to over 460,000 children in the Gaza Strip within just eight days. This initiative is part of a larger effort to vaccinate more than 640,000 children in the region, reflecting a significant commitment to combating the recent outbreak of polio.
The vaccination campaign, launched last Sunday, is the result of a directive from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It is being executed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The campaign, named Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, is taking place across 150 vaccination sites in Gaza, where medical teams and volunteers are working to provide access to the vaccine for as many children and families as possible.
Parents of children who have received the polio vaccine have expressed profound gratitude towards the UAE for their prompt and steadfast support during these challenging times. Their appreciation highlights the critical role of international assistance in addressing urgent health crises in conflict zones.
The urgency of this campaign was underscored by WHO’s confirmation of Gaza’s first polio case in 25 years last August. The appearance of the virus has intensified efforts to prevent a broader outbreak. To this end, over 2,100 healthcare workers, including mobile vaccination teams, are working diligently during humanitarian pauses and ceasefires to ensure that every eligible child receives the vaccine.
The ongoing campaign is crucial for preventing the spread of polio and safeguarding the health of children in Gaza. The collaboration between international organisations and local teams plays a vital role in overcoming logistical challenges and ensuring that the vaccine reaches its intended recipients.
The UAE’s intervention, along with the coordinated efforts of WHO, UNICEF, and UNRWA, represents a significant international response to a critical health emergency. The successful administration of vaccines to over 460,000 children marks a substantial step forward in the fight against polio in Gaza and underscores the importance of global solidarity in addressing public health crises.
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