In Gaza, a mother fears for her month-old son, Mohammed, following the Palestinian health ministry’s confirmation of the first polio case in the region in 25 years. The reappearance of the disease has sparked widespread concern as Gaza battles ongoing conflict and health crises.
Ghada al Ghandour’s infant son began showing troubling symptoms just days after birth, including severe skin rashes. Despite seeking medical help at Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el Balah, the family faces challenges due to the region’s lack of hygiene and medical resources amid prolonged conflict.
The health ministry confirmed that the first polio case, detected in Deir el Balah, involves a 10-month-old baby who had not been vaccinated. Polio traces were also found in sewage in Deir el Balah and Khan Younis, suggesting the virus may have been circulating since September.
Poliomyelitis, a highly infectious virus spread mainly through contaminated water and food, poses a significant threat, particularly to children under five. The ongoing conflict has disrupted routine vaccination schedules, heightening the risk of a health disaster if the situation persists.
In response, Israel announced plans to facilitate the transfer of polio vaccines for approximately one million children in Gaza. Over 43,000 vaccine vials are expected to arrive soon, with enough doses for two rounds of vaccinations. However, the vaccination campaign’s success hinges on a ceasefire to allow the distribution of the vaccines.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern about the re-emergence of polio, highlighting the additional threat to Gaza’s vulnerable children. With nearly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents under 18 and 15 percent under five, the urgency of addressing this health threat is paramount.
