UN launches vaccination campaign for 44,000 children in Gaza

United Nations agencies have announced a major immunization initiative for the Gaza Strip, targeting approximately 44,000 children who have been unable to access routine vaccinations and nutritional services during the recent conflict. The integrated campaign, coordinated by UNICEF, UNRWA, and the World Health Organization in collaboration with Gaza's Health Ministry, aims to address critical healthcare gaps that have emerged throughout the military operations.

Comprehensive Immunization Schedule and Implementation

The vaccination program will deliver multiple essential immunizations, including three doses of pentavalent, polio, rotavirus, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, along with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The first round of the three-phase campaign is scheduled to begin Sunday and continue for ten days across nearly 150 health facilities and ten mobile clinics distributed throughout Gaza. More than 450 health workers and 150 physicians have received specialized training to administer the vaccinations.

Logistical Preparations and Ceasefire Dependence

UN spokesperson Farhan Haq confirmed that all necessary vaccines, syringes, cold chain equipment, and nutritional supplies have already been transported into Gaza in preparation for the campaign. However, he emphasized that the initiative's success "depends on the full respect of the ceasefire" to ensure families and healthcare workers can safely access vaccination sites. The campaign represents one of the largest coordinated health interventions in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect.

Ongoing Humanitarian Challenges

Despite the significant scale-up of humanitarian operations, UN officials acknowledge that substantial obstacles remain, including limited border crossings, congested roadways, and ongoing restrictions that continue to impede aid distribution. The vaccination campaign forms part of broader international efforts to address the severe public health consequences of the conflict, with nations including Türkiye contributing to regional humanitarian responses aimed at stabilizing Gaza's devastated healthcare infrastructure.