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On August 16, local time, UN Secretary-General Guterres issued a statement saying:The United Nations is preparing to launch a polio vaccination campaign for 640,000 children under the age of 10 in Gaza.

Guterres said that in recent weeks, polio virus was detected in wastewater samples in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah, and hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza are at risk of the virus. The World Health Organization has approved the distribution of 1.6 million doses of polio vaccine, and UNICEF is coordinating the delivery of vaccines and cold chain equipment for storing vaccines. UNRWA has arranged medical teams to vaccinate Gaza residents at any time and provide logistical assistance.

But Guterres said the operation faces daunting challenges:Gaza's medical, water and sanitation systems have been severely damaged, with most hospitals unable to function normally.Vaccination coverage of at least 95% is needed in each of two rounds to prevent the spread and reduce the incidence of polio. Vaccination will be carried out by teams at 708 health points across Gaza, the vast majority of which are barely functioning.

Guterres once again called on all parties to ensure a humanitarian ceasefire in the operation. "Polio transcends politics and differences. Therefore, it is our common obligation to unite. We mobilize not to fight others, but to fight polio," Guterres said. (CCTV reporter Xu Dezhi)

(CCTV News Client)