News Center- The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) released a joint statement announcing that the second round of the polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip was completed on Tuesday, with an overall 556,774 children under the age of 10 being vaccinated with a second dose of polio vaccine.

“Polio vaccination in northern Gaza concluded yesterday with 105,558 children receiving their second dose and 83,876 children receiving vitamin A supplements -- amid ongoing hostilities,”Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, said Wednesday in a post on X.

“Around 88% coverage was achieved in the north; 7,000-10,000 children couldn't be reached for their second doses and are thus vulnerable to polio. Across Gaza as a whole, 556,774 children under age 10 -- or 94% -- received two doses as a result of this extraordinary campaign. Efforts will continue to reach more children through regular health services.”

Calling for a ceasefire for all of Gaza’s children to be healthy and safe, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “I admire the dedication and bravery of the health workers, WHO colleagues, our partners and the families. “