New York, January 30, 2024, The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns about the well-being of children in the Gaza Strip, stating that continuous aggression on land, sea, and air since October 7 has put them at risk of missing their routine vaccinations. According to UNICEF, more than 16,000 children in Gaza are vulnerable to missing these essential vaccinations, increasing their susceptibility to diseases such as pneumonia and polio.
In a statement released, UNICEF highlighted the potential consequences of the disrupted vaccination schedule and the heightened risk of serious diseases among the affected children. The organization, in collaboration with its partners, has been working to address the situation by providing 962,550 doses of vaccines in December.
The statement underscores the importance of ensuring that children in conflict-affected areas receive essential healthcare services, including routine vaccinations, to safeguard their health and well-being. Ongoing efforts by UNICEF and its partners are crucial in mitigating the impact of conflict on the vulnerable population, particularly children, who are at increased risk of various health challenges due to the challenging circumstances they face.