Public health, war and cross-border challenges: the recent cVDPV2 polio outbreak in Gaza.

IF 9.6 1区医学 Q1 MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL

EClinicalMedicine Pub Date : 2025-02-28 eCollection Date: 2025-03-01 DOI:10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103136

Itamar Grotto, Hazem Agha, Ahmad Abu Al-Halaweh, Nadav Davidovitch, Martin McKee, Dorit Nitzan

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The recent vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreak in Gaza, linked to strains circulating in Egypt, highlights the challenges of maintaining vaccination efforts in conflict zones. Amid prolonged hostilities and a deteriorating healthcare system, vaccination coverage has significantly declined, leaving many children vulnerable to poliovirus and other preventable diseases. This report analysed the outbreak's context, vaccination strategies, and outcomes by reviewing vaccination coverage data, environmental surveillance reports, and public health interventions. It focused on the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) campaigns and their effectiveness in mitigating transmission. The outbreak, detected in June 2024, included six environmental samples and one confirmed case of poliomyelitis in a 10-month-old child. Despite operational challenges, a vaccination campaign immunised 560,000 children under 10 years by September 2024. However, ongoing violence delayed subsequent rounds of vaccination, particularly in northern Gaza. Contributing factors included vaccine hesitancy, logistical hurdles, and the safety risks healthcare workers face. Regional collaboration remains limited despite cross-border transmission risks. The Gaza outbreak illustrates the critical need for robust vaccination programs, enhanced surveillance, and international cooperation to prevent poliovirus resurgence. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and logistical challenges is vital. Sustained funding and innovative strategies, including nOPV2 use, are essential to combat outbreaks in fragile settings and advance global eradication efforts.

Funding: No additional funding was used in the preparation of this report.

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来源期刊

EClinicalMedicine Medicine-Medicine (all)

CiteScore

18.90

自引率

1.30%

发文量

506

审稿时长

22 days

期刊介绍： eClinicalMedicine is a gold open-access clinical journal designed to support frontline health professionals in addressing the complex and rapid health transitions affecting societies globally. The journal aims to assist practitioners in overcoming healthcare challenges across diverse communities, spanning diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and health promotion. Integrating disciplines from various specialties and life stages, it seeks to enhance health systems as fundamental institutions within societies. With a forward-thinking approach, eClinicalMedicine aims to redefine the future of healthcare.