### Polio Resurgence in Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis

In the war-torn region of Khan Younis, Gaza, humanitarian worker Dr. Aghaalkurdi finds himself among the displaced. The discovery of the first polio case in over 25 years has sent shockwaves through the community. The affected patient, a 10-month-old baby, was left with a paralyzed lower left leg due to the virus. Polio, known for its highly contagious nature and potential to cause severe health issues, had been on the brink of eradication globally before this resurgence in Gaza.

In response to this alarming situation, the World Health Organization, alongside other groups, initiated a massive vaccination campaign targeting over 640,000 children in Gaza. Dr. Aghaalkurdi, who works with Medical Aid for Palestinians, plays a key role in this effort. Despite the relentless challenges, including ongoing conflicts and the requirement of administering two doses weeks apart, the team has managed to vaccinate 559,161 children with the initial doses.

The dedicated efforts of these humanitarian workers are bolstered by the commitment of parents determined to safeguard their children against polio, even amid constant threats. However, the multitude of dangers facing children in Gaza makes it hard to fully celebrate this public health victory. While Israel's military has agreed to "humanitarian pauses" to facilitate the vaccination drive, the broader perils, such as cholera outbreaks, starvation, and aerial strikes, continue unabated.

The devastation in Gaza is extensive, with about two-thirds of its buildings either damaged or destroyed by Israeli military actions. This, coupled with the siege cutting off essential supplies like food, water, and electricity, has displaced 1.9 million residents. Over 10,000 children have lost their lives, and hospitals suffer from deliberate attacks, leaving only 17 out of 36 partially functional.

Sanitation and humanitarian conditions have deteriorated drastically, with a majority of Gaza's population crammed into an overcrowded "humanitarian zone" occupying just 11 percent of the territory. This supposed safe haven still endures frequent airstrikes, and its residents face dire conditions, including inaccessible clean water, constant sewage flooding, and a lack of basic hygiene necessities.

Dr. Aghaalkurdi and his team are on the front lines, witnessing a surge in infectious diseases. They see around 180 children daily with conditions like impetigo and chickenpox. The rise of hepatitis A cases—more than 40,000 reported since October compared to 85 in the same previous period—illustrates the public health nightmare that unfolds. While cholera has yet to make an appearance, the underlying fear among medical professionals is that it is only a matter of time.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the resurgence of polio signaling a broader public health crisis amid an ongoing conflict that continues to endanger the lives and well-being of its youngest and most vulnerable residents.