GAZA: The Palestinian Ministry of Health has declared the Gaza Strip a polio epidemic zone following the discovery of the poliovirus in sewage water samples from Khan Younis and central Gaza amid ongoing Israeli bombardments and deteriorating living conditions.
In a statement, the Ministry highlighted that the presence of the poliovirus type CVPV2 (circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2) poses a significant threat not only to residents within Gaza but also to neighboring areas. The declaration marks a troubling reversal of years of progress in eradicating polio from the region.
The outbreak is attributed to the catastrophic conditions in Gaza exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli military operations that began on October 7. The destruction of vital infrastructure, including sewage systems, along with the accumulation of waste and extreme overcrowding in displacement camps, has created an environment conducive to the spread of the virus.
“The dire state of Gaza’s infrastructure and the severe restrictions on essential services have led to this public health emergency,” the Ministry said. They emphasized that addressing the polio outbreak requires immediate cessation of hostilities, comprehensive repairs to the damaged infrastructure, and the restoration of basic services such as water and sanitation.
The Health Ministry has called for urgent international assistance and cooperation with organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat the epidemic. However, the Ministry warns that without significant improvements in the humanitarian situation, including the removal of restrictions on food, water, medicine, and fuel supplies, efforts to control the outbreak may fall short.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread destruction in Gaza, with numerous civilian casualties and severe damage to essential services. The Israeli military actions have led to a humanitarian crisis, with significant shortages of critical supplies and infrastructure.
Since October 7, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza killing at least 39,400 Palestinians, mostly women and children. The ongoing Israeli bombardment campaign has resulted in massive disruptions to daily life.
