WHO chief urges protection for health teams during polio vaccination drive, ET HealthWorld

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Geneva: World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has issued an appeal to protect health teams preparing for the coronavirus pandemic. Polio vaccination operation in Gaza. Tedros stressed that it is imperative for all concerned parties to ensure the safety of health workers, medical facilities and children during this vital public health initiative, reports Al Jazeera.

“We urge all parties to ensure the safety of themselves, health facilities and children,” Tedros said in a social media post as the operation is set to begin on Sunday. The call for safety comes against the backdrop of escalating violence in the region.

Earlier, the Director-General of the World Health Organization also appealed for lasting peace and said it was the only way to protect the children of Gaza.

“Polio vaccination teams must be protected and allowed to carry out upcoming campaigns in Gaza safely. We urge all parties to ensure their safety, that of health facilities and that of children. Humanitarian pauses are welcome, but ultimately the only solution to safeguard the health of Gaza’s children is a ceasefire,” the WHO chief said.

The WHO also highlighted the case of 10-month-old Abdul Rahman, who was reported to be Gaza’s first polio case in 25 years. The WHO said the case was a stark reminder of how war steals the future. The WHO said it was developing a plan. Two-phase vaccination campaign Protecting 640,000 children in war-affected areas.

Recent events have raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

This week, four security personnel accompanying an aid convoy were tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike. In another incident, a vehicle belonging to the UN World Food Programme came under Israeli fire near a checkpoint, raising fears of a crackdown by Israeli forces. Unstable environment In which aid organizations are working.

The director of the American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) revealed in an interview with Al Jazeera that Israeli forces had given no prior warning or communication before targeting his convoy. The attack resulted in the deaths of four Palestinians and has raised concerns about the risks faced by those delivering essential aid in conflict zones.

The World Health Organisation’s appeal highlights the urgent need for a safe environment for health workers, who play a vital role in fighting diseases like polio.

Polio, a highly contagious disease The disease mainly affects young children, and can cause paralysis and, in severe cases, death.

The World Health Organization is working in this direction polio eradication worldwideAnd the operation in Gaza is a key component of these global efforts. Protecting health teams This is vital to the success and preservation of this campaign. Vulnerable populations in the area.

  • Published on Aug 31, 2024 01:38 PM IST

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