Situation of children in Gaza – WHO, UNICEF – UN Geneva Press Briefing – 15 October 2024

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Situation of children in Gaza

Replying to questions from the media, Tarik Jašarević, for the World Health Organization (WHO), said that 14 October had been the first day of the second round of the polio vaccination campaign, which would take place in phases. On the first day, some 92,800 children under ten had received the second dose of the polio vaccine, in line with expectations, and no major issues had been reported. An estimated 590,000 children across Gaza were supposed to receive the second dose over the next ten days, he explained. While having polio vaccinations was very important, people of Gaza were facing numerous other health challenges, said Mr. Jašarević. Thousands of people needed medical evacuation and long-term rehabilitation outside of Gaza.

Answering further questions, James Elder, for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said that more than 12 months into the war in Gaza, the cumulative effect on children was being felt more than ever. With attacks continuing, and insufficient humanitarian aid getting in, the condition of children was desperate. Some 85 percent of Gaza Strip were currently under some evacuation order. Every day, the situation for children became worse than the day before. Restrictions on humanitarian aid appeared to be worse than ever before, said Mr. Elder. Cumulatively, the situation for children today was more difficult than before, and multiple horrors were befalling children simultaneously. He explained that safe zones needed to be spared from bombing while supplies of water, food, medicine, and other supplies had to be allowed in. On average, one school per day had been struck this month, informed Mr. Elder. Some families had thus found themselves at the Al Aqsa Hospital, which had now been struck.

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