Poliovirus in sewage
WHO and UNICEF recently found traces of the polio virus in sewage in Gaza. Now the Gaza Ministry of Health has officially confirmed that there is an epidemic.
The polio virus is spread primarily through feces. Once inside the body, it can travel to the nervous system, eventually leading to paralysis or even death.
“The fact that a polio epidemic has now been officially declared shows once again that Gaza is one of the most dangerous places for children to live”says Suzanne Laszlo, director of UNICEF Netherlands.
There is a shortage of everything
Polio is especially dangerous for younger children. They have not yet been vaccinated or have missed their vaccination because of the war, and are now unprotected. Previous polio outbreaks in other countries have left children paralyzed for the rest of their lives. The children in Gaza are now also at risk.
To combat polio, a vaccine, clean water and good hygiene are crucial, all of which are currently lacking in Gaza.
Extreme challenges
To contain a further outbreak, it is important to vaccinate as many children as possible against the polio virus as quickly as possible. UNICEF is helping with the vaccination process but is facing extreme challenges. Laszlo: “Getting vaccines across the border is one thing, but then they also have to be transported and administered, and that is incredibly dangerous in Gaza at the moment.” Bombings are still taking place and roads are littered with unexploded ordnance.
“If we really want to stop polio and all the other diseases that are now on the rise, we need a ceasefire and safe, unhindered access for aid workers.”
