Health Ministry Receives 100,000 Doses of Polio Vaccine Donated by Brazil

SadaNews - The Palestinian Ministry of Health received today, Thursday, 100,000 doses of the oral polio vaccine donated by the Brazilian government, with logistical support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in a gesture of humanitarian solidarity aimed at enhancing immunization efforts and protecting children's health in the State of Palestine.

The shipment was handed over in the presence of Health Minister Dr. Majid Abu Ramadan, the Brazilian ambassador to the State of Palestine, Mr. João Marcelo Soares, and UNICEF representative in Palestine, Ms. Jane Good, at the ministry's headquarters in Ramallah, and was later shipped to the ministry's central warehouses in Nablus.

The shipment, which was shipped from São Paulo, Brazil, was supported by UNICEF and its partners, and was transported according to the highest safety and quality standards, including packaging that complies with World Health Organization standards and maintaining the cold chain between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, to ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.

These doses will be used in the ongoing school vaccination campaign against polio in the West Bank, which is being implemented by the Palestinian Ministry of Health as part of its national immunization strategy, benefiting more than 85,000 school-aged children.

Health Minister Dr. Majid Abu Ramadan expressed his gratitude to the Brazilian government and UNICEF for this vital support, stating: "Brazil's generous donation of 100,000 doses of the polio vaccine represents a noble stance that embodies the depth of humanitarian solidarity and international support for the right of Palestinian children to prevention and healthcare, stressing the importance of continuing and strengthening efforts to ensure that vaccines reach every child, wherever they are."

The minister added, "In light of the challenges facing the health sector and the ongoing aggression of the Israeli occupation, this support enhances the ministry's ability to implement national vaccination campaigns and protect our generations from preventable diseases."

The Brazilian ambassador, Mr. João Marcelo Soares, reaffirmed Brazil's commitment to supporting the Palestinian Ministry of Health and Palestinian children, stating: "This donation is a symbol of Brazil's commitment to supporting the health of the Palestinian population and a symbol of Brazil's political support for the Palestinian cause."

Ms. Jane Good, UNICEF representative in the State of Palestine, said: "UNICEF warmly welcomes Brazil's generous contribution, and is proud to support the Ministry of Health in providing life-saving vaccines to Palestinian children."

Ms. Good noted: "Vaccination is one of the most effective investments in protecting children's health, and this support comes at a time of urgent need." She added: "Amid the growing challenges in accessing essential health services, this donation reflects the importance of global partnerships in supporting public health and every child's right to a healthy life, and UNICEF remains committed to working with the Ministry of Health and international partners to ensure that every child, regardless of where they are, has access to vaccines and essential care."