The polio outbreak response in the Gaza Strip continues with a mass vaccination campaign scheduled for February 22–26, 2025. Over 591,000 children under 10 years will receive the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to protect them from the virus. This effort follows the recent detection of poliovirus in Gaza’s wastewater, confirming ongoing circulation and risk to children.
Low immunity pockets allow poliovirus to spread, increasing the risk of disease. Overcrowded shelters and damaged water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure further facilitate fecal-oral transmission. Additionally, population movement due to the ceasefire may contribute to further spread.
Two successful vaccination rounds in September and October 2024 reached over 95% of the target population. However, inaccessibility during the conflict left 7,000 children unvaccinated in areas like Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun. The recent ceasefire has now improved access for health workers.
Ongoing Poliovirus Transmission
Although no new polio cases have been reported since a ten-month-old child was paralyzed in August 2024, environmental samples from December 2024 and January 2025 confirm continued virus circulation in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. The detected strain is genetically linked to a poliovirus found in Gaza in July 2024.
The upcoming campaign aims to reach all children, including those previously missed, to stop the outbreak. Another vaccination round is planned for April.
Led by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the campaign is supported by WHO, UNICEF, UNRWA, and other partners. Polio vaccines are safe; multiple doses provide added protection, especially during an outbreak.
WHO, UNICEF and partners welcome the ceasefire and urge a lasting resolution to ensure uninterrupted health efforts.
