Polio has resurfaced in the Gaza Strip after 25 years, leading to a vaccination campaign for over 640,000 children. The disease is believed to be vaccine-derived, with experts attributing its return to Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s health and sanitation infrastructure. The polio crisis in Gaza comes on top of challenges faced elsewhere, with Pakistan and Afghanistan remaining endemic for the virus. Furthermore, vaccine-derived polio cases have been reported globally, particularly in countries that use oral vaccines due to their cost-effectiveness.
The resurgence of polio can also be traced back to issues such as vaccine hesitancy, mistrust in the Western medical system, and disruptions caused by conflicts and global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in gaps in vaccination campaigns and reduced population immunity, allowing the virus to continue spreading. Vaccine-derived cases, especially those linked to the type 2 strain, have become a significant concern due to changes in vaccine administration that have impacted population immunity.
Despite efforts to eradicate polio globally, challenges remain in ensuring high vaccine coverage and preventing outbreaks. Continued vigilance and the use of appropriate vaccines are crucial in containing the spread of the virus and preventing further cases of paralysis. The recent outbreak in Gaza serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vaccination efforts and addressing the root causes of the disease’s resurgence.
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