The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a “preliminary commitment for area-specific humanitarian pauses” in a polio vaccination campaign starting on Sept. 1 in Gaza.
Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stressed the need to achieve 90% vaccination coverage to curb the outbreak, with the campaign planned in two rounds.
Speaking at a virtual news conference from Gaza, Peeperkorn highlighted the importance of reaching 90% coverage and welcomed the humanitarian pauses to facilitate the campaign.
He called on all parties to ensure safe access for children and families to health facilities and community health workers, so even those unable to visit health centers can receive the polio vaccine.
Peeperkorn noted that the agreed humanitarian pause includes a three-day halt in the central Gaza zone, followed by similar pauses in the southern and northern zones.
