Medical Statements: Polio Virus Detected in Gaza
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced in a statement on his social media platform that type 2 polio virus was detected in 6 samples as a result of the examinations made in the samples taken in Khan Younis and Deir el-Balah cities of Gaza.
Ghebreyesus stated that no cases of paralysis have yet been detected in the region, and that WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners are conducting a risk assessment to stop the spread of the virus and determine the necessary intervention methods.
Ghebreyesus emphasized that factors such as the collapse of the health system in Gaza, the constant displacement of the population, the shortage of medical supplies and poor water quality increase the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, and noted that these negative factors create a suitable environment for the spread of diseases.
The Director-General stated that a ceasefire was essential for an effective response and called on the international community to provide support to improve the health situation in Gaza.
