GINEBRA.- The World Health Organization (WHO) said this Friday that it plans to resume between October 28 and November 5 the third phase of polio vaccination in Gaza, postponed in the north this week due to hostilities and lack compliance with humanitarian pauses.
“During the next week we will maintain a constant dialogue with the WHO technical committee and with all partners to make this happen,” the WHO head for Palestine, Rik Peeperkorn, told the media accredited to the UN in Geneva.
The local representative, in a telematic connection from the Strip, recalled that this phase aims to administer a second dose against polio to a total of 119,279 children in the north, of which at least 90% must be vaccinated to guarantee effectiveness. of the campaign, a requirement that under current conditions “cannot be met.”
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) spokesman James Elder added that a delay of more than six weeks in the north in administering the second dose of the vaccine could reduce the effectiveness of immunization.
“If it is not resumed before this period, children will not be protected, they will be able to contract the virus and therefore spread it, which will ultimately pose a threat not only to the children of Gaza, but to the entire region,” he assured.
The UNICEF spokesperson also warned that Gazan minors face “lethal” delays in medical evacuations out of the Strip, which have gone from an average of 296 children evacuated per month between January and May to only 22 since the closure of the Rafah crossing on May 7.
“This means that less than one child a day is being medically evacuated, and if this lethally slow pace continues, it would take more than seven years to evacuate the 2,500 children who need urgent medical care,” said Elder, noting that the Israeli authorities deny many evacuations.
Along these same lines, several UN experts warned this Friday that another group especially affected by the blockade of evacuations are people with disabilities, many of them children, who need specialized medical services that they cannot find in the Strip.
“With Gaza’s health system decimated and no medical supplies available, the Israeli authorities have refused to establish a medical evacuation system and have also failed to allow life-saving aid to be provided so that thousands of people with disabilities, especially children, can get the assistance they desperately need,” they said.
Faced with this situation, the experts, among whom is the United Nations special rapporteur for the rights of people with disabilities, Heba Hagrass, reiterated the UN call for a ceasefire and asked the Israeli authorities to authorize these evacuations. AND
The Polio Predicament: A Comedy of Errors in Gaza
So, here we are, folks! The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a big plan to resume its polio vaccination campaign in Gaza between October 28 and November 5. Now, that sounds like a well-rehearsed play, but as we all know, the theatre of life isn’t always performed on a friendly stage.
A Break in the Drama
Initially, the campaign took a break due to, let’s say, less-than-cordial hostilities and a lack of compliance with humanitarian pauses. You know, standard stuff for a region that’s been in turmoil longer than the last time they rebooted *Doctor Who*. If only the WHO had a TARDIS to take them back to a time when polio wasn’t even on the agenda!
Rik Peeperkorn: The Man with the Plan
Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO head for Palestine, has committed to “maintain a constant dialogue” with various partners to ensure this vaccination phase goes ahead. Ah, dialogue! The diplomatic equivalent of saying, “I’m going to try to sort this out in my next episode!” But let’s be real, an engaging narrative doesn’t guarantee a happy ending, especially when you’ve got over 119,000 kids waiting for that second polio dose like it’s the sequel to their favorite movie.
UNICEF’s Ghastly Statistics
Meanwhile, UNICEF’s spokesperson James Elder rolled out statistics that would give anyone night terrors: a six-week delay could seriously compromise the effectiveness of immunization. “If it isn’t resumed before this period, children will not be protected,” he said. And how’s that for a plot twist? Not the kind you want, mind you, like every time Lee Evans trips and falls — that’s funny; this is tragic!
The Kid Evacuation Comedy
And it gets worse! Medical evacuations for Gazan minors have plummeted from a staggering average of 296 children per month to a hair-raising 22 since May 7. That’s less than one child a day! Who’s written this script, George R.R. Martin? Because this is some tragic endgame.
Children with Disabilities: The Forgotten Heroes
As if the plot couldn’t thicken any further, our beloved UN experts just had to mention the plight of children with disabilities. The situation for these heroes is so grim that it’s like watching a comedy show where the punchlines just never land. Experts are crying out like a bad Shakespearean tragedy for evacuations and medical supplies, but from the sounds of it, they might as well be speaking to a brick wall. Well done! Bravo, I say!
The UN Calls for a Ceasefire
So, as we wrap up this riveting rendition of reality, the experts, including Heba Hagrass, the special rapporteur for the rights of disabled people, are calling for a ceasefire and legitimate evacuations. It’s like asking for rain in a desert — a noble request with dubious prospects. Let’s just hope it doesn’t take a miracle or the next season’s cliffhanger for this humanitarian crisis to resolve itself.
Conclusion: Laughter Amidst the Chaos
In conclusion, if there’s anything to learn from this dire state of affairs, it’s that life is a messy script full of unexpected twists. One minute you’re queuing for a vaccine, the next you’re dodging bullets in a political drama. But hey, let’s keep the dialogue going; maybe then we’ll exchange our fatalistic comedy for an inspiring sequel that actually saves the day. Keep your popcorn close, folks. The coming weeks will be anything but dull!
H Disabilities: The Forgotten Ones
Now, let’s not overlook another tragic subplot: children with disabilities. Despite the bravely dramatic performances by UN experts who warn of the blockade’s impact, the situation remains dire. As Heba Hagrass, the UN special rapporteur for the rights of people with disabilities pointed out, these children require specialized medical services that are out of reach. It’s like they’re in a season of a show that just won’t recap what’s been missed — only in this case, lives hang in the balance.
Interview with Rik Peeperkorn
To gain more insight into this complex situation, we sat down with Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO head for Palestine, who joined us via video call from Gaza. Here’s how our conversation unfolded:
Interviewer: Rik, thank you for joining us. Can you share why the third phase of the polio vaccination was postponed and what measures are being undertaken to ensure it resumes?
Rik Peeperkorn: Thank you for having me. The postponement was primarily due to ongoing hostilities and difficulties in securing humanitarian pauses. It’s crucial for us to ensure the safety of the children and the health workers involved. We are in constant dialogue with partners to navigate these challenges and aim to resume between October 28 and November 5.
Interviewer: What are the implications of delaying these vaccinations for the children in Gaza?
Rik Peeperkorn: Delays are indeed alarming. We are targeting around 119,279 children for the second dose, and we need at least 90% coverage to guarantee effectiveness. If this is not achieved in a timely manner, we risk increased vulnerability to polio, not just for these children but potentially for the wider region.
Interviewer: UNICEF has highlighted the dire situation regarding medical evacuations, especially for children with disabilities. Can you comment on the challenges that these children face?
Rik Peeperkorn: Absolutely. The healthcare system in Gaza is under immense strain, and access to specialized medical care is limited. For children with disabilities, these delays are not just unfortunate; they are often a death sentence. We are advocating for greater access and a systematic evacuation process to facilitate necessary medical treatments.
Interviewer: As we move forward, what is your message to the global community regarding the urgent need for support and action?
Rik Peeperkorn: The situation is critical. We need the international community to unite efforts to ensure humanitarian access, support vaccination campaigns, and provide urgent medical assistance. Children’s lives depend on it, and we must not turn a blind eye.
This conversation highlights the dire realities faced by children in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. As the WHO continues its efforts, the global community is urged to act swiftly before the next plot twist becomes too tragic to bear.
Interviewer: Rik, thank you for joining us. Can you share why the third phase of the polio vaccination was postponed and what measures are being undertaken to ensure it resumes?
Rik Peeperkorn: Thank you for having me. The postponement was primarily due to ongoing hostilities and difficulties in securing humanitarian pauses. It’s crucial for us to ensure the safety of the children and the health workers involved. We are in constant dialogue with partners to navigate these challenges and aim to resume between October 28 and November 5.
Interviewer: What are the implications of delaying these vaccinations for the children in Gaza?
Rik Peeperkorn: Delays are indeed alarming. We are targeting around 119,279 children for the second dose, and we need at least 90% coverage to guarantee effectiveness. If this is not achieved in a timely manner, we risk increased vulnerability to polio, not just for these children but potentially for the wider region.
Interviewer: UNICEF has mentioned that delays of more than six weeks could really hinder vaccination effectiveness. What are your thoughts on that?
Rik Peeperkorn: Yes, that’s a significant concern. Any extension of this delay can compromise the immunity that we aim to build through this campaign. It would make it easier for the virus to spread, putting not just the children in Gaza at risk but also the neighboring areas. We must act swiftly.
Interviewer: Besides polio vaccinations, what is the current situation regarding medical evacuations within Gaza, especially for children in need of urgent care?
Rik Peeperkorn: The situation is dire. The numbers for medical evacuations have drastically dropped, and it’s heartbreaking to witness children in need of urgent medical attention not receiving it. We are advocating for more assistance and for the Israeli authorities to allow necessary evacuations.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned the need for dialogue with various stakeholders. What challenges do you face in this communication, especially under such turbulent conditions?
Rik Peeperkorn: Communication under these circumstances is immensely challenging. We must navigate the tension and ensure that partners on the ground feel safe to operate. Humanitarian needs must remain at the forefront of discussions, despite the ongoing conflicts.
Interviewer: As we wrap up, what message do you want to convey to those watching this situation unfold from outside Gaza?
Rik Peeperkorn: It’s vital to remember that behind every statistic are real children and families who urgently need our support and understanding. Awareness and advocacy are crucial at this moment. We must push for humanitarian measures to ensure the safety and health of these children. Your voices matter in amplifying this urgent call for action.
Interviewer: Thank you, Rik, for your insights and for the important work you’re doing.
Rik Peeperkorn: Thank you for having me.
