Gaza launches major child vaccination drive

UN agencies and Gaza health authorities have launched a vaccine “catch-up” campaign to vaccinate more than 44,000 children under three who missed routine immunisations during prolonged conflict. Led by UNICEF in partnership with WHO, UNRWA and the local Health Ministry, the effort aims to deliver critical doses against measles, polio and pneumonia, while providing nutrition screening and growth monitoring for young children whose care was disrupted.

The campaign is operating from nearly 150 health facilities and through 10 mobile teams, with clinics, hospitals and outreach sites set up to reach displaced families and neighbourhoods where services remain damaged or inaccessible. Staff are administering polio, pentavalent, rota, pneumococcal conjugate and MMR vaccines, and referring malnourished children to specialised treatment centres. Authorities say assessments indicate about one in five children under three in Gaza have missed most or all routine vaccines since the fighting began, increasing the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Organisers have phased the drive to complete full vaccine schedules for those who fell behind and to combine immunisation with nutrition support and growth monitoring. The initiative responds to concerns that the breakdown of health services, repeated displacement and closures of facilities have left large numbers of infants and toddlers unprotected. Caregivers interviewed by aid agencies described delays of weeks or months in obtaining shots because centres were closed, too far away or unknown to families forced to move.

Despite its scale, the campaign faces major obstacles. Damaged infrastructure, persistent movement restrictions and security risks limit teams’ ability to reach some areas. Cold-chain systems and supply lines remain fragile after repeated power cuts and shortages, complicating storage and transport of vaccines. Aid agencies warn these constraints could reduce coverage and say sustained logistical support and safe access for medical teams are essential to complete the programme.

International partners stress the campaign is a crucial step to stabilise Gaza’s weakened health system and prevent outbreaks that would worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis. By combining immunisation with nutrition screening and referrals, organisers aim to tackle immediate disease risks and identify children in need of urgent medical and nutritional treatment. The success of the drive will hinge on continued coordination, protection for health workers and secure supply chains to reach the most vulnerable children before more vaccine opportunities are missed.