UN chief calls for assurances of humanitarian pauses for polio vaccination campaign in Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged parties in the Gaza conflict to provide concrete assurances for humanitarian pauses to allow a polio vaccination campaign, reported Reuters.

Speaking to reporters at the United Nations, Guterres emphasized the need for immediate assurances, warning that preventing and containing the spread of polio in Gaza will require a massive, coordinated, and urgent effort.

"Let's be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," Guterres said. "But in any case, a polio pause is a must. It is impossible to conduct a polio vaccination campaign with war raging all over."

Guterres announced that the UN is ready to launch a polio vaccine campaign in Gaza for children under the age of 10 but acknowledged the "grave challenges" involved.

He explained that at least 95 percent vaccination coverage is needed during each of the two rounds of the campaign to prevent the spread of polio and reduce its emergence given the devastation in Gaza. He added that a successful campaign will require the facilitation of vaccine transport and refrigeration equipment, the entry of polio experts into Gaza, reliable internet and phone services, and other essential elements.