Emergency polio outbreak response continued in Gaza

The emergency response to the polio outbreak in the Gaza Strip continued with a mass vaccination campaign held from 22 to 26 February 2025. Over 591,000 children under 10 received the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to protect against the virus. 

This campaign followed the recent detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples, indicating ongoing circulation in the environment. Previous vaccination rounds in September and October 2024 reached over 95% of the target population. Despite these efforts, the virus remained in the environment, posing a continued risk, particularly to children with low or no immunity.

The campaign aimed to close immunity gaps and protect all children under 10. The Palestinian Ministry of Health led the effort, supported by WHO, UNICEF, UNRWA, and other partners.