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UNRWA immunizes 12,000 Palestine refugee children in Syria in April

09 June 2015

With the protracted crisis in Syria, vaccination programs are essential to ensure that children remain healthy and resilient. In April 2015, UNRWA and the Syrian Ministry of Health ran a mumps, measles and rubella vaccination campaign. More than 12,000 Palestine refugee children aged between six months and five years were immunized in UNRWA health centers across the country with vaccinations provided by UNICEF and the Ministry of Health.

The spread of infectious disease has increased among Palestine refugees in Syria. The conflict and sustained drought-like conditions have led to widespread displacement and a shortage of reliable clean water supplies, which have resulted in overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions and poor sanitation practices. UNRWA remains committed to providing a robust and comprehensive immunization program throughout Syria.

After four years of conflict, the health of Palestine refugees in Syria has been undermined by displacement and impoverishment. Overcrowded living conditions have contributed to an increase in infectious diseases. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadAs part of the UNRWA emergency response, the health department runs an extended immunization program for Palestine refugee children across Syria. Approximately 9,000 Palestine refugee children are vaccinated annually. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadGhina is one of more than 12,000 children aged between six months and five years who were immunized for mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) in UNRWA health centers and health points. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadGhina’s mother had heard about the MMR vaccination on television. "The vaccines will save the life of my daughter and protect her against the spread of disease," she said. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadDuring the immunization campaign in April, the polio vaccination was also made available. Since the outbreak of polio in 2013, UNRWA has vaccinated 120,000 Palestine refugee children in Syria. In 2015, the number of registered polio cases had dropped to zero. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadImmunization is a critical tool in stemming the spread of infectious disease across Syria and maintaining the well-being of Palestine refugees as they live through their fifth year of conflict. UNRWA estimates it reached 93 per cent of its annual vaccination target in 2014. © 2015 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad

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