The World Health Organization (WHO) announced plans to vaccinate more than 40,000 children in the Gaza Strip, taking advantage of the ongoing ceasefire to deliver essential health services.
In the first eight days of the campaign, launched on November 9, over 10,000 children under the age of three received vaccines against diseases like measles, polio, and pneumonia.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said phase one has been extended until Saturday, aiming to protect children against multiple preventable diseases, including mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and rotavirus.
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Phases two and three are planned for December and January, in collaboration with UNICEF, UNRWA, and Gaza’s health ministry under Hamas, ensuring a coordinated approach to reach vulnerable children.
The ceasefire, endorsed by the UN Security Council on October 10, allows WHO and partners to restore essential health services and support the reconstruction and re-equipment of Gaza’s devastated health system.
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The conflict has had a heavy toll, with more than 69,500 Palestinians killed and over half of the casualties being women and minors, highlighting the urgent need for health interventions in the region.