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What are the implications of the recent polio case in Gaza?
The first reported case of polio in Gaza in 25 years, involving a 10-month-old baby who suffered partial paralysis, highlights the urgent need for vaccination. This case underscores the risk of a wider outbreak if vaccination efforts are not promptly implemented, as polio can spread rapidly among unvaccinated populations.
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How are humanitarian pauses affecting vaccination efforts?
Israel and Hamas have agreed to three-day humanitarian pauses to facilitate the vaccination of 640,000 children against polio. These pauses are crucial for ensuring that health workers can safely administer vaccines without the threat of violence, allowing for a more effective response to the outbreak.
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What safety measures are in place for the vaccination process?
To ensure the safety of both health workers and children during the vaccination campaign, strict protocols are being followed. The World Health Organization has coordinated with local authorities to establish safe zones for vaccination, and all parties involved are urged to respect the humanitarian pauses to prevent further suffering.
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How many children are targeted for vaccination in Gaza?
The vaccination campaign aims to reach approximately 640,000 children in Gaza. The World Health Organization has already delivered 1.2 million doses of the polio vaccine, with an additional 400,000 doses expected to ensure that all targeted children receive the necessary immunization.
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What role does the World Health Organization play in this campaign?
The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading the vaccination efforts in Gaza, coordinating with both Israeli and Hamas authorities to implement the campaign. WHO officials emphasize the importance of the humanitarian pauses and are working to ensure that the vaccination process is safe and effective for all children involved.