One in five children in Gaza missing essential vaccines, Unrwa warns

Around 20 percent of children in Gaza are missing “essential vaccines,” the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) has warned, announcing a new immunisation campaign aimed at reaching 44,000 children.

The campaign will also include malnutrition screenings, as Gaza’s children continue to face severe health challenges amid ongoing blockade and conflict-related disruptions to medical services.

“From its side, UNRWA will contribute through 24 health centres and medical points across the Gaza Strip — supporting this vital effort to restore essential care for Gaza’s children,” the agency said.

Health experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged shortages of vaccines and medical supplies in Gaza risk outbreaks of preventable diseases, putting thousands of children at heightened risk.