What’s With Polio in Palestine?
The Gaza Strip, once free from polio for 25 years, now faces an alarming health crisis with the reemergence of the disease. This resurgence of polio — detected in Palestine as of July 2024 — demands immediate action, and a ceasefire is crucial to executing effective vaccination campaigns.
5 must-know facts about polio in Palestine
To make sure you know what is what and how the status quo is for Palestinians in Gaza as the deals for ceasefire keep being pushed back further, we have gathered the basic, must-know information about polio in Gaza.
1. There are two major types of polio
In case you do not know yet, poliovirus comes in two types: wild poliovirus and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). The wild poliovirus is the original form of the virus that spreads amongst unvaccinated populations, which is currently present in Afghanistan and Pakistan only. However, cVDPVs present a different challenge. These variant polioviruses can emerge when the weakened live virus from oral polio vaccines circulates in under-immunized populations long enough to genetically revert to a form that causes paralysis.
According to Hamid Jafari of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), an immediate ceasefire is critical to control the situation. In addition, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appealed to effectuate a ceasefire on August 16, 2024. “Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. But in any case, a Polio Pause is a must,” he urged.
2. The cVDPV variant spreads through contaminated water in Gaza
The vaccine-derived poliovirus now threatens Gaza through contaminated water sources. The relentless assault on Gaza has severely damaged essential sanitation systems and water infrastructure, creating ideal conditions for this variant to spread. The weakened live virus from oral polio vaccines, when it circulates with insufficient immunization, can revert to a harmful strain capable of causing paralysis.
The situation is dire in Palestine, as recent environmental tests have detected polio in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah. Without a ceasefire, Palestinians may face a drastic increase in fatalities and the efforts to manage polio in the entire region will be put at risk.
3. AFP is a sign of polio
Polio manifests through acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), characterized by sudden weakness or paralysis of limbs. This condition is a hallmark of the disease and signifies a dangerous progression if not addressed as quickly as possible.
Reports from Gaza have already highlighted cases of suspected AFP, with three children recently displaying symptoms. These cases are under investigation, with stool samples sent for testing to the Jordan National Polio Laboratory. On August 16, Palestine’s Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of polio to be a 10-month-old unvaccinated Palestinian baby in Deir al-Balah.
4. Palestinian children are the most vulnerable segment
The current polio outbreak in Palestine places all children under ten at significant risk, particularly those who have missed routine vaccinations due to the ongoing genocide.
The disruption of healthcare services as well as the substantial drop in immunization coverage in Gaza, from 99% in 2022 to less than 90% in early 2024, have created a fertile ground for poliovirus to spread — let alone the lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation.
5. Vaccination campaigns are impossible without a ceasefire
The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have issued a critical call for humanitarian pauses in Gaza. Since a permanent ceasefire is out of reach, humanitarian pauses are Palestinians’ only hope to access health facilities and allow outreach workers to reach those in remote or inaccessible areas. Without these pauses, the planned vaccination campaign cannot be carried out, leaving countless innocent Palestinian children in imminent danger.
The vaccination effort, scheduled for late August and September 2024, is to administer the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to over 640,000 Palestinian children under ten.
3 ways to support Palestinians during this time
Amidst the relentless bombings and devastation inflicted upon innocent Palestinians, the grim reality is that every facet of their daily lives has been ravaged since the onset of the current genocide. The destruction of vital infrastructure, resources, and essential services has compounded their suffering.
Now, with the renewed outbreak of polio in Gaza, the urgency of collective action has never been more imperative.
1. Spread the word
The resurgence of polio in Gaza is not just a public health emergency; it is a stark reminder of the dire consequences of ongoing genocide. We must amplify the voices calling for action, ensuring that the world recognizes the gravity of the situation. Spread the word through every channel available, like social media, community gatherings, and public forums.
The more people informed about the situation at hand, the more likely our efforts will amount to meaningful steps toward bringing about change.
2. Pressure leaders to immediately put a ceasefire into effect
We must hold our leaders accountable and demand that they use their influence to broker an immediate ceasefire. The international community cannot remain passive while children in Gaza suffer and die from preventable diseases.
3. Donate
Make sure you donate with any amount that you can afford to reputable organizations that facilitate providing help to Palestinians across the Strip.
Follow Muslim Girl on all social media platforms to stay in the loop with the status quo in Gaza.
