WHO Chief urges protection for health teams amid Polio vaccination rollout

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appeals for safety of health teams in Gaza polio vaccination campaign.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has issued an appeal for the protection of health teams preparing for the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza.

Mr. Tedros stressed that it is imperative for all parties involved to ensure the safety of health workers, medical facilities, and children during the rollout of this vital public health initiative, reported Al Jazeera.

In a social media post, Mr. Tedros stated, "We urge all parties to ensure their protection, and that of health facilities and children," as the campaign is set to begin on Sunday (September 1).

This call for safety comes amidst a backdrop of increasing violence in the region. Earlier the WHO Director-General also appealed for a lasting peace which he said was the only way to protect the children of Gaza.

"The polio vaccination teams must be protected and allowed to conduct the upcoming campaigns in Gaza safely. We urge all parties to ensure their protection and that of health facilities and children. Humanitarian pauses are welcome, but ultimately, the only solution to safeguard the health of the children of Gaza is a ceasefire," the WHO chief said.

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The WHO also highlighted the case of 10-month-old Abdul Rahman who was diagnosed as Gaza's first polio case in 25 years. The WHO said the case was a stark reminder of how war steals futures. WHO said it was planning a two-round vaccination campaign to protect 6,40,000 kids in the war-affected region.