Amidst the ongoing conflict, Cordaid partner Caritas Jerusalem carried out a crucial mission to provide polio vaccinations to children in Gaza. On September 1st, the organisation established two health centres in Deir Al Balah in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health.
On the first day, the team successfully vaccinated 2,003 children from the surrounding area, marking a strong start to the initiative.
Caritas Jerusalem has deployed 14 medical teams across the Gaza Strip. 12 are stationed in the southern regions and two operate in Gaza City. The strategic distribution ensures that essential healthcare services reach as many people as possible.
The vaccination efforts are focused on two key medical sites: Abu Oureif and Al Birqeh in Deir Al Balah. These locations were chosen due to their large populations of internally displaced people, estimated to be around 35,000. The campaign primarily targets children in communities where access to healthcare is severely limited due to the conflict.
In addition to providing vaccinations, Caritas Jerusalem continues to call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. Anton Asfar, Secretary General of Caritas Jerusalem, emphasises the organisation’s dedication: ‘Our work in Gaza is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the community, even under the most difficult circumstances.’