8 March 2025 – In July 2024, amid ongoing conflict and widespread displacement in the Gaza Strip, variant poliovirus – with links to poliovirus found in Egypt – was detected in wastewater in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah for the first time in more than 25 years. Poliovirus was then confirmed in a 10-month-old child in Gaza who had never received any vaccines. Immunization had been on hold in Gaza since the conflict began.
This triggered an urgent public health response. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, and with support from WHO and partners, health workers mobilized to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of children against a disease that can cause lifelong paralysis.
Behind this complex operation were countless individuals working under extraordinary conditions, among them 4 women whose leadership, determination and commitment – despite conflict, insecurity and personal loss – helped ensure that children in Gaza received protection against polio.
