20 November 2025, THE GAZA STRIP – The first round of the catch-up immunization campaign in the Gaza Strip concluded today, marking an important milestone in efforts to safeguard children’s health after two years of conflict and as winter weather intensifies. Between 9–20 November, more than 13,700 children were vaccinated during a campaign led by UNICEF, UNRWA, WHO and partners, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, and supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The results from round one clearly demonstrate families’ commitment to protecting their children’s health. Of the children who participated, less than 2 per cent had never received any vaccines, reflecting the high health awareness of Palestinian families, even under extremely difficult circumstances. A quarter of all children who visited the vaccination points had begun their routine vaccinations but missed some later scheduled doses or entire vaccine series, highlighting the importance of catch-up efforts to close immunity gaps created by the conflict.
The campaign also integrated malnutrition screening. Of the 6,827 children screened, 508 children were identified as acutely malnourished and referred to the nearest nutrition facility for treatment. This demonstrates the value of integrating nutrition services into vaccination activities to ensure early detection and timely treatment.
Preparations are already underway for rounds two and three, to ensure children have received the necessary vaccine doses required for full protection. With winter weather worsening living conditions, including flooding makeshift shelters and increasing public health risks, the urgency of rolling out the next phases cannot be overstated.
1.6 million syringes procured by UNICEF for the subsequent rounds successfully entered the Gaza Strip this week, ensuring that vaccination teams are equipped to complete the campaign. UNICEF and WHO also have the nutrition supplies and medicines required to treat all malnourished children into early 2026. The arrival of additional cold chain equipment remains a priority to expand and sustain immunization efforts across the Gaza Strip. We call for these and other essential supplies to be facilitated entry as soon as possible.
As the fragile ceasefire holds, health needs remain immense with only half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals partially functional. WHO is helping rebuild and rehabilitate 20 health facilities, expand services with essential medical supplies, and train health workers to strengthen the workforce and ensure children and families can access care.
The first round of the integrated campaign demonstrated what is possible when health workers, community mobilizers, and international partners work together. This momentum must continue, to ensure that every child in the Gaza Strip, especially those living in the most fragile conditions, has access to life-saving vaccines and that vaccination and nutrition services become embedded in a strong primary health system rather than delivered through one-off campaigns.
