Gaza City, July 24, 2024 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced profound concern over the possibility of a polio outbreak in Gaza following the detection of traces of the highly infectious virus in wastewater samples.
Dr. Ayadil Saparbekov, head of the WHO’s team in the Palestinian territories, revealed that a risk assessment is underway.
In the meantime, health workers are providing protective advice to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. However, the dire state of the region’s infrastructure poses significant challenges to effective communication and implementation of health measures.
The presence of polio traces was identified in sewage samples collected from two sites in Gaza approximately a month ago. This discovery has raised alarms about the potential circulation of the virus in the densely populated region.
To date, no cases of polio-associated paralysis have been reported. Nevertheless, the Israeli military announced on Sunday that it has initiated a vaccination campaign for its soldiers, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Dr. Saparbekov noted the difficulty in adhering to health advisories given the severe breakdown of water and sanitation services in Gaza.
The virus, which spreads through contact with fecal matter, presents a heightened risk in environments with compromised sanitation.
The WHO and the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) are advocating for a mass vaccination campaign, but obstacles such as repeated delays in aid delivery, severe security risks, and the overall chaotic conditions in Gaza threaten the feasibility of such an initiative.
Since the onset of the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, around 300,000 vaccines have been dispatched to Gaza.
The Israeli military reported ongoing collaboration with various organizations to facilitate vaccine distribution to Palestinians. However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has made it increasingly challenging to ensure widespread vaccination coverage.
Polio is a highly contagious virus that can lead to paralysis and, in severe cases, death. It spreads through contact with the feces of an infected individual or, less commonly, through droplets from coughs or sneezes.
The WHO’s data indicates that vaccination coverage in Gaza and the occupied West Bank was robust prior to the current conflict, with coverage at approximately 99% in 2022. However, this rate fell to 89% last year, reflecting a decline linked to the ongoing hostilities.
The deterioration of Gaza’s health infrastructure has significantly impeded immunization efforts. The UN agency highlights the “decimation” of the health system, with only 16 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals operating partially.
The ongoing conflict has exacerbated this crisis, contributing to a decrease in vaccination rates and an increased risk of disease outbreaks.
Dr. Saparbekov emphasized the dire living conditions faced by many Gazans, with shelters often having just one toilet for every 600 people and limited access to safe drinking water.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has labeled the situation a “health catastrophe” in response to the detected polio traces in wastewater, noting that the virus is spreading through displacement camp areas and inhabited regions.
The WHO has called for a ceasefire to facilitate an effective response to the potential outbreak. This appeal was echoed by eight Israeli public health professors who wrote an op-ed in the Haaretz newspaper on Tuesday.
They stressed that the immediate priority should be protecting all residents, particularly infants who have not completed their vaccinations, regardless of political considerations.
“We know what needs to be done. It must be done for the sake of all residents of the region. This is not about politics. This is about health and life,” the professors stated, highlighting the urgency of addressing the health crisis amid ongoing hostilities.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains on high alert. The convergence of a deteriorating health system, ongoing conflict, and the risk of a polio outbreak underscores the critical need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the health crisis and protect vulnerable populations in Gaza.