At least 602,000 children face severe health risks due to ongoing war in Gaza Strip

At least 602,000 children are facing severe health risks due to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Ministry of Health has stated that Israeli forces are not allowing essential vaccines, such as those to protect against the deadly disease polio, to enter. As a result, thousands of children could face permanent disability. In a statement on Sunday (April 6), the Gaza Ministry of Health said, "Israel is not allowing polio vaccines to enter. This is like a time bomb, and polio could spread in Gaza at any time."

The statement further said, "This is an indirect attack on the children of Gaza. The vaccination campaign that has been running for seven months could be destroyed. This will completely collapse Gaza's health system." Polio is a viral disease that can paralyze children's limbs and render them permanently unable to move. The World Health Organization (WHO) had initiated a vaccination campaign to prevent polio in Gaza.

Two rounds of vaccinations were administered in September and October 2024, through which 95% of children could be vaccinated. However, environmental samples collected in December showed that the virus is still spreading. With vaccinations now halted, the risk of new infections has increased. The Gaza Ministry of Health stated that currently 13,000 patients want to leave Gaza for advanced treatment abroad, but they cannot do so due to the blockade. Ministry Director General Dr. Munir al-Bursh said, "Gaza is taking its last breath."

"Islamic countries and international organizations should step forward now. How many more children must die before the world listens to us?"