Over 187,000 children under ten years of age were vaccinated for polio in central Gaza during the first phase of a two-round polio vaccination campaign, which began on Sept 1, according to the latest release by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday.
The children received the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) and were each marked on the finger with ink to indicate the dose had been administered.
The WHO expressed gratitude to the agencies and personnel involved in the vaccination efforts and reiterated its call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Preparations, including vital efforts to keep vaccines refrigerated amid complex logistics and communicating with local medics, are underway for the second phase of the vaccination drive, which is set to begin on Thursday in southern Gaza.
Adele Khodr, regional director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in the Middle East and North Africa, said in a statement on Wednesday that the vaccination campaign over the past three days has "brought a rare bright spot amid the disastrous conflict in the Gaza Strip."
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) emphasized its commitment to vaccinating as many children as possible and highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Wednesday that vaccination efforts would shift to areas in southern Gaza, including Khan Younis and Rafah, starting Thursday following the conclusion of the first phase of the campaign in the enclave's central region. During this period, polio vaccination will continue at four large health facilities in central Gaza to ensure no child is missed.
Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is an acute infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, primarily affecting children under five. It can lead to paralysis or death in severe cases. With no cure available, vaccination remains the most effective and economical method of prevention.
Poliovirus was detected in environmental samples in the Gaza Strip in July. Health authorities in the Gaza Strip announced on Monday that a polio epidemic had broken out across the Palestinian enclave, blaming Israeli military operations for the damage to sanitation and medical systems that had precipitated the spread of the deadly virus.
The first phase has covered central Gaza locales including Deir al-Balah and the refugee camps of al-Nuseirat, al-Maghazi and al-Bureij. The second phase began Sept 5 in Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza, with northern Gaza set to be covered on Sept 9.
First phase of polio vaccination completed with over 187,000 children in central Gaza vaccinated
Over 187,000 children in central Gaza vaccinated against polio
A special cultural event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) was held in Berlin, Germany on Saturday.
Titled "Written in the Sky: My China Story," the event was jointly organized by China Media Group (CMG), the Chinese Embassy in Germany, and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation under China's Ministry of Education.
During the event, the John Rabe Communication Center, the German Burg Chinese Chorus, the Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, and the Federation of Germany-China Friendship Association officially joined the global partnership program of the "Written in the Sky: My China Story" campaign and were awarded certificates on Saturday.
The German Burg Chinese Chorus performed classic Chinese and German songs, including "On Wings of Song" and "Jasmine Flower." The Shenzhou-18 crew, currently in orbit, sent a video message from the space station and interacted with German teenagers.
The attendees of the event held in Berlin agreed that as the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative have gained increasing global support, China has not only brought opportunities to the world but also built bridges of friendship with people from various countries.
Attendees wrote their wishes for the PRC's 75th anniversary, expressing their commitment to continuing their stories with China to address global challenges and create a better future for humanity.
Shen Haixiong, president of CMG, stated that China aims to strengthen international people-to-people exchanges, promote dialogue among global civilizations, and enhance mutual understanding.
"We will portray the ultimate romantic warmth of Chinese culture, record the continuous legacy of human civilization, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind," said Shen.
Chinese Ambassador to Germany Deng Hongbo noted that both China and Germany have a profound cultural heritage, and their mutual appreciation and exchange of knowledge have been ongoing.
In an era of challenges, Deng emphasized the need for strengthened communication and cooperation, expressing hope that more young Germans will learn Chinese, develop an interest in Chinese culture, visit China, and become ambassadors of Sino-German friendship and exchange.
Nearly 200 attendees from various sectors, including politics, culture, diplomacy, economy, and trade, as well as young teachers and students, participated in the event.
Multiple mainstream European media, such as Italy's il Giornale and EU Reporter, covered the event, reaching a total audience of nearly 15 million in Europe.
Launched in March this year, the campaign “Written in the Sky: My China Story” has collected more than 1,600 stories from China and over 60 countries across the globe. It will also be held in other countries, including the U.S., Canada, Russia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Nigeria.
Special event celebrating 75th anniversary of founding of PRC held in Berlin
