.jpeg)
In the unlikely event that you have not already seen this article...
Baquer
....
....
UNICEF delivered over 1.2 million doses of polio vaccine to Gaza on Monday, the first step in the difficult challenge of vaccinating 640,000 children living there. UNRWA hopes to begin distributing the vaccines to clinics and mobile teams inside Gaza on Saturday.
Over 3,000 people will be involved in the vaccination campaign, about one third of them working for UNRWA.
"UNICEF is pushing for a pause in the fighting to allow health workers to get two doses to every child, after Gaza recorded its first polio case in 25 years."
The Health Ministry has warned that inoculations alone will not be effective amid a lack of clean water and personal hygiene supplies in Gaza, as well as issues with sewage and waste collection in overcrowded areas where displaced families were sheltering. It said medical teams would have to spread out across the territory, “which requires an urgent cease-fire.”
"UNICEF is pushing for a pause in the fighting to allow health workers to get two doses to every child, after Gaza recorded its first polio case in 25 years."
The Health Ministry has warned that inoculations alone will not be effective amid a lack of clean water and personal hygiene supplies in Gaza, as well as issues with sewage and waste collection in overcrowded areas where displaced families were sheltering. It said medical teams would have to spread out across the territory, “which requires an urgent cease-fire.”
Click here for the article "As Polio Vaccines Arrive in Gaza, Distributing Them is the Next Challenge" in the NYTimes
See also "Gaza polio vaccine rollout hindered by Israeli evacuation orders, says UN" in the Guardian
Dear Baquer,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sending this article.I hadn't seen this account of UNICEF at last bringing vaccination to Gaza and calling again for a humanitarian pause. What a herculean logistics task!
Being picky, I prefer "Corridors for Children" to "humanitarian pause." The former emphasizes REACHING CHILDREN. But whatever works. I think of and grieve for all those children who could live to adulthood but might not if they don't get the basic survival support now -- vaccination, food, care, watsan, freedom from bombs and so much more. Let's hope and pray.
Mary
Dear Mary,
DeleteFrom my perspective you have once again hit the nail on the head. One of the highly respected women leaders of Palestine also expressed dissatisfaction with bubbles for peace. As you and all our dear friends rightly stress it is the focus on children that lends high credibility to our campaign. Thus your version is more likely to generate the fire in the belly we are seeking.
The book which you kindly wrote an introduction and your wonderful editing was the result of extensive consultations. I can send you the introductory part which crystallizes the content. In fact our precious Karthika updated this part and I can request her to resend it to you. And with the para I shared earlier, and which by your endorsement you energized me to a great extent, will be my input to the concept note you are drafting.
Also remember we have agreed that the concept note will be a evolving document, constantly enrich with the new knowledge and experience we gain as we move forward. So please go easy on yourself.
Thanks again and best wishes
Baquer
This is positive news about UNICEF, but the "proof is in the pudding", and actioning the whole campaign is the BIG QUESTION when the IDF keeps enforcing evacuations and hits the hospitals/health units that can do the work...a Hurculean task awaits...
ReplyDeleteCheers
Fouad
Indeed, the 'evacuation order' yesterday by the IDF targets Deir al Balah near where the refrigerated storage for vaccines is located, and leaving 4 other UN warehouses directly in the area targetted for evacuation. The IDF has so far issued 16 such evacuation orders in August alone, making movement of personnel and supplies near impossible. “One thing for sure is that it’s almost impossible to lead a polio vaccination campaign at scale in an active combat zone,” said Jonathan Crickx of UNICEF.
DeleteI am aghast at the impotence and the lack of authority and decisiveness of the UN in the face of such tremendous suffering being inflicted on innocent civilians. It practically amounts to a dereliction of duty.
ReplyDelete