Gaza Strip - July 20, 2024

Highly infectious poliovirus has been detected in the war-torn Gaza Strip, where displaced Palestinians fear that lack of access to clean water will lead to deadly disease.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday warned that poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) has been detected in environmental samples in Palestinian tent encampments.

Tests conducted by the Global Polio Laboratory Network have confirmed the presence of poliovirus in six sewage samples collected on June 23 from Khan Younis in south Gaza and Deir al-Balah in the enclave's central region.

Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis within hours, although no cases have been found in the region, according to the WHO.

Ibrahim Al-Qaisi and his family, like thousands of other Palestinians, live in worn-out tents next to open sewage water and landfills.

Ibrahim talked to China Global Television Network (CGTN) about the miserable conditions during their forced displacement, especially for his four children, whose play area includes piles of garbage and sewage.

The Palestinian health system is struggling to provide limited health care in light of its inability to help patients effectively.

Local pediatrician Sharif Matar said he has observed a steady increase in the number of children being admitted to the hospital as a result of infectious diseases.

Shotlist:
Gaza Strip - July 20, 2024:
1. Various of Ibrahim Al-Qaisi, displaced Palestinian, with his children, bandages on children;
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ibrahim Al-Qaisi, displaced Palestinian:
"My children are getting sick. Every day, I take them to the clinic and buy medicine for them because of the pollution and unsafe water. Even the drinking water we pay for is unfit for any use. Our wish is for the war to end and for us to get rid of these epidemics and diseases that will kill us even if we survive this war.";
3. Various of infected children at hospital;
4. Sherif Matar, pediatrician, checking child;
5. Infected child's legs;
6. Infusion bottle;
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Sherif Matar, pediatrician:
"Hepatitis is terribly widespread, in addition to many deaths that we had not previously witnessed. The condition of malnutrition is very difficult among the children who arrive here. There is water poisoning, food poisoning, and the list of common diseases is endless.";
8. Various of children walking;
9. Open sewage water.

[Restricion - No access Chinese mainland]