In a determined effort to combat the spread of polio, a massive vaccination campaign in Gaza has successfully administered over 550,000 polio vaccines to children across the enclave in less than two weeks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the work is far from over as the second stage of the campaign looms.

Led by the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, the vaccination program aims to provide children with second doses of polio vaccines. Polio, a highly infectious virus that can cause paralysis and even death, poses a significant threat to Gaza due to the destruction of its water treatment infrastructure. The lack of clean drinking water and proper hygiene has led to widespread sewage in the streets, creating favorable conditions for the spread of the virus.

Recently, poliovirus was detected in wastewater samples in Gaza, raising concerns among health officials, especially since vaccination programs had collapsed during the ongoing war. A child under one year old became paralyzed in both legs, marking Gaza's first confirmed case of polio in 25 years. This single case indicates the potential spread of the virus to approximately 200 more individuals in the community, as they may be infected but asymptomatic.

Scientists sequenced the polio virus in Gaza and found it to be a strain last seen in Egypt in 2023. Experts speculate that interactions between people in Egypt and Gaza, coupled with the virus's high infectivity, facilitated its transmission. The oral vaccine, which contains a weakened form of the polio virus, is considered safe and effective in preventing polio. However, in rare instances, the weakened virus shed in a person's stool can mutate and regain its ability to cause disease, as seen with the strain now circulating in Gaza.

Reduced regular vaccinations in a population increase susceptibility to the disease, prompting public health officials to swiftly launch a mass vaccination campaign. With the goal of reaching at least 90% of children under ten in Gaza, health officials faced numerous challenges, including operating in a war zone. The Israeli army and Hamas agreed to temporary ceasefires in specific areas to allow vaccination teams to safely administer the vaccines.

The campaign also had to navigate the difficulty of accessing and transporting the vaccines and vaccinators through the densely populated and damaged streets of Gaza. Duhair and his team meticulously planned and coordinated the vaccination efforts, with over 200 teams involved in tracking vaccination coverage among Gaza's children.

Despite these challenges, families in Gaza were enthusiastic about getting their children vaccinated. Driven by a sense of duty to serve the population, public health experts and vaccination teams worked tirelessly to reach every child, even those living in shelters or tents. The efforts were closely monitored to ensure coverage of over 95% of the targeted population.

While the vaccination campaign is a crucial step towards containing the polio outbreak, the eradication of the virus in Gaza requires ongoing vigilance. Health officials will closely monitor both the people and wastewater in Gaza for the next six months to ascertain if the outbreak has been successfully curtailed.

Gaza is just one of several regions worldwide where the polio virus remains a concern. Insecurity, poor hygiene, and limited access to healthcare and routine vaccination programs contribute to the persistence of the disease. However, the ongoing global initiative to eradicate polio has made remarkable progress, with a 99.9% reduction in cases over three decades. Yet, instances of upheaval and disruption, such as those seen in Gaza, prolong the final stages of eradication.

The steps taken in Gaza reflect the commitment of health organizations, experts, and vaccination teams to protect vulnerable populations and combat the spread of deadly diseases.