The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that approximately 602 thousand children are at risk of polio due to the ongoing Israeli attacks and blockade in the region. The Ministry stated in a written statement that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening as a result of the continued Israeli blockade and attacks. It was emphasized in the statement that a new health disaster is imminent for children in the region, warning that Israel’s prevention of polio vaccines from entering Gaza poses a significant risk of a major outbreak.

“ALL HEALTH EFFORTS MAY BE IN VAIN”

The statement, which said “602 thousand children in Gaza are facing the risk of permanent paralysis and chronic disability,” used expressions indicating that the prevention of vaccine entry will not only cause serious damage to the health system but also in the social and economic fields.

The Ministry noted that all health efforts carried out in the past 7 months could go to waste due to these obstructions, stating that the health system, which is already on the verge of collapse, will be under even heavier strain.

CALL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

The Ministry called on relevant international institutions and humanitarian organizations to exert pressure on Israel and allow the entry of vaccines. The Ministry also emphasized the need to open safe humanitarian corridors to reach children in various regions of Gaza.

The statement concluded by highlighting that the ongoing blockade and attacks in Gaza not only result in loss of life but also pave the way for new crises in public health. It was emphasized that the unresolved vaccine crisis could lead to long-lasting permanent health disasters in the region.

WHO: SITUATION DETERIORATES EVERY DAY

World Health Organization (WHO) Spokesperson Margaret Harris, in her assessments to an AA reporter about the health situation in Gaza under intense Israeli attacks during World Health Week on April 7-13, had witnessed significant deterioration in the health of mothers and babies in Gaza, especially since October 7, 2023, and indicated that the vast majority of them were undernourished.

Harris stated, “90% of pregnant and lactating women and thousands of babies are severely undernourished. Many of them require treatment. Currently, no medical supplies or food are entering Gaza. Mothers and babies are already suffering, and the situation worsens every day.”