Geneva Palais briefing note: Announcement of second round of polio vaccination in the Gaza Strip

NEW YORK (October 11, 2024) - "I wanted to emphasize the logistical challenges that such a vaccination campaign represents. The first round successfully rolled out in September presented humanitarian workers with overwhelming difficulties, including operating amid devastated infrastructure.

"For example, 75% of the pre-existing cold chain, critical for any immunization campaign, was destroyed over the last year as war ravaged the entire Strip. In order to solve the problem, in addition to the 1.6 million doses of vaccines, UNICEF had to bring in refrigerators, freezers, ice boxes, and vaccine carriers -- all equipment required to maintain the stocks at a temperature between 2 and 8°C.

"Another important challenge has been the endless population movements. In the north of the Gaza Strip, several displacement orders have been issued, affecting thousands of children.

Once again, it will be absolutely critical that not only the localized humanitarian pauses are respected in the north, but also that people are not forced to move from one area to the other. This will be essential for us to be able to vaccinate at least 90 per cent of children under the age of10 among the population in the north.

"During this second round, we will also take the opportunity to administer Vitamin A to the children, which helps to reinforce their immune system. It is a simple measure but critical to support the health of thousands of children who are living in extremely dire hygiene and sanitation conditions.

"Making sure that families are properly informed about this second round of vaccination is also a very important element. More than 800 social mobilizers will reach out to families to raise awareness on the importance of taking the second dose as well as on the dates and locations.

"As we did in the first round, we will also broadcast radio spots, share SMSs and use all digital channels available in Gaza to amplify these messages. This outreach will continue until the second round concludes. Once again, local teams will be deployed in areas that need special coordination to reach children, including those who could not receive vaccine in the first round.  

"I want to reiterate the importance of localized humanitarian pauses as a pre-requisite for a successful second round of this campaign. One thing is for sure: it is impossible succeed in an active combat zone. We need all polio workers to be able to operate in a safe and secure environment, and all parents to be able to bring their children without fear. We call on all parties to respect this.

"The first round of the polio campaign has shown to the world that when everyone lines up, it is possible to bring critical aid to children in Gaza, including to the north. It is not only crucial that this happens again with the second round. We should also be able to do more of this on other aspects for the children in the Gaza Strip

"Thank you."

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About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world's most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information please contact:
Jenna Buraczenski, UNICEF USA, (917) 720-1432, [email protected]

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