UNICEF correspondent Elizabeth Kiem reports on the start of the immunization drive that is now under way in Gaza.
Tags:Immunization Drive in Gaza,immunization programs in Gaza,immunization programs in Gaza Strip,unicef,united nations childrens fund
Grab video code:
Transcript
Immunization Drive in Gaza
Elizabeth Kiem: These students are among the 120,000 school children benefiting from a vaccination campaign to protect them against measles, mumps and rubella.
A fragile piece is holding Gaza since hostilities ended last month but damaged to vital infrastructure is wide spread. Clean water and nutritious food are in short supply.
UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Health to vaccinate students in grades eight and nine and to educate them on how to avoid infectious disease. Each student also receives a dose of vitamin A to help fight off infections.
Charles Stricland: It’s a pleasure for UNICEF to continue assisting the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Health colleagues in providing accessible health care particularly measles, mumps and rubella vaccines to young people here in Gaza.
Elizabeth Kiem: UNICEF head of Gaza office Charles Strickland visited Solayman Sultan Primary School in Gaza City where students lined up to receive their jabs.
Charles Stricland: It’s been a long standing relationship dating back more than 10 years. It’s a relationship that we see continuing far into the future and we’re hoping to help create a much healthier environment.
Elizabeth Kiem: Primary health care all but stopped during the conflict, UNICEF and its partners are striving to make sure that Gazan children’s health suffers as little as possible.
Elizabeth Kiem: This is Elizabeth Kiem reporting for UNICEF Television, Unite for Children.
Welcome to UNICEF studios at Aol On.
Founded in 1946, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized.
Comments