The Health Ministry in Gaza has announced that approximately 602,000 children are at risk of polio due to the ongoing Israeli attacks and blockade. The ministry stated in a written announcement that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening as a result of the ongoing Israeli blockade and attacks. It warned of a new health disaster looming for children in the region, highlighting the significant risk posed by Israel’s obstruction of polio vaccines entering Gaza, potentially leading to a major outbreak.

The announcement stated that “602,000 children in the Gaza Strip are facing the risk of permanent paralysis and chronic disabilities” and emphasized that preventing the entry of vaccines would not only cause devastation in the healthcare system but also have serious social and economic repercussions.

The Ministry expressed concerns that all health efforts undertaken in the past seven months may go to waste due to these obstructions, placing a heavier burden on the already crumbling healthcare system.

APPEAL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

The Health Ministry called on relevant international institutions and humanitarian aid organizations to pressure Israel to allow the entry of vaccines. It also emphasized the need for secure humanitarian corridors to ensure access to children in various parts of the Gaza Strip.

Lastly, the announcement warned that the ongoing blockade and attacks in Gaza are not only resulting in casualties but are also paving the way for new health crises, highlighting the possibility of enduring health disasters if the vaccine crisis is left unresolved.

WHO: SITUATION DETERIORATING DAILY

Margaret Harris, the spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the deteriorating health situation in Gaza under intense Israeli attacks during an evaluation for the World Health Week from April 7-13. She revealed witnessing a significant deterioration in the health of mothers and babies in Gaza, with the majority being inadequately nourished since October 7, 2023.

Harris stated, “Ninety percent of pregnant and breastfeeding women and thousands of babies are severely malnourished, requiring treatment. Currently, no medical supplies or food are entering Gaza. Mothers and babies are already suffering, and the situation is worsening every day.”