On World Polio Day, UNICEF and others International NGO choice Save the Children Concerns have been expressed about the alarming status of polio among children in fragile and conflict-affected countries In 2023, a staggering 85% of the 541 children with polio worldwide lived in these precarious settings.
As polio infections in the region have more than doubled in the past five years, this marks a significant increase in cases, prompting calls for urgent global attention and action from organizations worldwide.
Effects of Conflict on Immunization
Routine childhood immunization programs have been severely disrupted by ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises. According to UNICEFImmunization rates dropped from 75% to just 70%, far below the 95% coverage needed to achieve community immunity. This decline pushes diseases such as polio to a dangerous foothold, especially in areas where health care systems are collapsing due to war and instability.
Madam Catherine M. Russell, UNICEFIts executive director, underlining the dire situation, said that children in conflict zones face not only violence but also the resurgence of preventable diseases.
He mentioned, In many countries, we are witnessing the collapse of healthcare systems and the destruction of essential infrastructure. By insisting that without urgent action United Nations Organization And International NGOChildren will be vulnerable to diseases that should not exist anymore.
Countries most affected by polio
The analysis shows that 15 of the 21 conflict-affected countries are currently struggling with polio outbreaks, and the majority are in Africa. Notable examples include Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen.
These countries are grappling not only with health crises but also with ongoing violence, which has made it increasingly difficult to provide essential health care services and vaccines.
As in Gaza, UNICEF And partners launched an emergency vaccination campaign after polio returned after a 25-year absence.
By mid-September, the first round of the campaign had vaccinated nearly 600,000 children under the age of ten, although violence has hampered further efforts in the north.
Urgent call for action and support from NGOs and donors
UNICEF, Save the Childrenand others Private organization They are stepping up their emergency response to address rising polio cases, conducting door-to-door immunization campaigns that reach millions of children under five years of age.
For example, in Sudan, childhood immunization coverage fell from 85% before the conflict to just 53% in 2023, with coverage falling to just 30% in areas of active conflict. UNICEF Urges governments and stakeholders to prioritize vaccination efforts in these high-risk areas, emphasizing the need for humanitarian pauses so that health care workers can safely administer vaccines.
donation And support from global donors plays a critical role in these efforts, ensuring that children in the most affected areas receive the care they need. International charity Working with organizations United Nations Organization Securing additional resources to strengthen immunization programs in affected areas.
Global impact of polio resurgence
A resurgence of polio not only threatens children in affected countries, but also poses a risk to neighboring countries. As polio spreads in fragile settings, it can easily cross borders, affecting previously polio-free areas and raising concerns for global health security.
A global decline in childhood immunization rates exacerbates the problem, leading to outbreaks even in countries that have successfully eliminated the disease for years.
UNICEFWith the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Gavi, Vaccine AllianceProvides one billion doses of polio vaccine annually. But increased donation and continued support from Private organization It is important to effectively deal with this resurgence and prevent further outbreaks.
Conclusion: A call for collective action
As we observe World Polio Day, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address the increasing cases of polio among children living in fragile and conflict-affected countries. UNICEF, Save the Childrenand others International NGO Calling on global stakeholders to prioritize innovative solutions to eradicate polio on political agendas and strengthen immunization campaigns.
Although the fight against polio is most difficult in the most challenging circumstances, eradication is still within reach if the government charity organization, and donors Rally together with commitment and concerted action. By increasing support and resources, we can protect the world’s most vulnerable children and eradicate polio for good.
