Families turned out in high numbers to protect their children from polio during the first phase of a large-scale vaccination campaign conducted by UNICEF and partners in the Gaza Strip in September 2024.

After 25 years, polio has reemerged in Gaza. Nine out of 10 people have been displaced by violence. Families are living in overcrowded shelters without adequate access to basic services including water, hygiene, sanitation and health care — optimal conditions for disease outbreaks.

"I was injured in the war and I am here today to receive the vaccination," said a young girl named Talin, who arrived at the site in her wheelchair. "I am happy that the vaccination is available. I was afraid of the bombing while I was going to receive the vaccination."

UNICEF and partners plan to vaccinate 640,000 children under the age of 10 to stop the spread. There is no cure for polio, a lifelong crippling disease, only prevention.

"I came today to vaccinate my children, said Salam, holding her baby in her arms. "They are young and need to be vaccinated for fear of epidemics and diseases. The situation in the shelters is very difficult and diseases are widespread, and I must protect the lives of my children because there is no treatment or aid or even hospitals that can deal with the spread of any disease."

Subscribe to UNICEF USA's YouTube Channel for the latest updates.

To learn more about UNICEF and UNICEF USA, visit: [ Ссылка ]

Read our stories about UNICEF in action: [ Ссылка ]

Follow UNICEF USA here:
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]

свернуть