Dire Conditions in Gaza Camp Linked to First Polio Case in 25 Years, Mother Pleads for Help

The unfortunate circumstances of a child diagnosed with polio in the Gaza Strip emphasize the dire living conditions and lack of medical resources faced by displaced families in the region. Neveen Abu Al-Jidyan, the mother of 15-month-old Abdul Rahman, spoke to CBS News about her son's debilitating disease and the struggles the family faces in a tent in a displaced persons camp.

Challenges in Providing Care

Al-Jidyan expressed her deep concern about Abdul Rahman's health, stating, "We've haven't given him any treatments. We live in a tent and there is no medication." The family was forced to relocate multiple times due to the ongoing conflict, moving from the north of Gaza to a temporary tent in Deir el-Balah. Abdul Rahman, who was only one month old at the time of their first relocation, has been particularly affected by the lack of access to medical care and vaccinations.

Forced Relocation and Lack of Vaccination

Al-Jidyan recounted how the family was unable to provide Abdul Rahman with the necessary vaccinations due to the chaos of the war. "He was supposed to take his vaccination on the first day of the war, and our home was targeted and his medical booklet was left at home," she explained. The majority of Gaza's 2.4 million residents have been displaced to a shrinking humanitarian zone, which has led to further difficulties in accessing medical care and essential resources.

Impact of Unsanitary Living Conditions

Abdul Rahman's developmental progress took a drastic turn as he began to experience symptoms such as vomiting and fever. Al-Jidyan described how the hospital informed her that they were unable to provide treatment, leading her to believe that the unsanitary conditions of their living environment contributed to her son's ailment. "We don't have clean water, clean food. We live in a tent and nothing is clean here," she lamented, highlighting the challenging circumstances that have taken a toll on her son's health.

Isolation and Fear

Beyond the physical challenges, the family has faced social isolation and fear from others in the camp due to Abdul Rahman's polio diagnosis. Al-Jidyan recounted instances where neighbors were apprehensive about coming into contact with her son, further exacerbating the family's difficulties. "They are scared of us. They are scared of carrying him," she shared, emphasizing the emotional toll that this experience has had on both her and her child.

A Plea for Help

Desperate for assistance, Al-Jidyan urged the international community, saying, "Please have mercy on my son. I wish he could move like before. I hope no children will catch this virus. I want treatment for my child, whether in this country or abroad." Her heartfelt plea reflects the urgent need for access to medical care and treatment for children affected by the polio outbreak in the Gaza Strip.

Hope for Vaccination Amid War

United Nations agencies have expressed hope to commence a mass polio vaccination program, but for this to happen, they delineated the necessity for a temporary halt in the ongoing conflict. UNRWA, the primary U.N. agency responsible for assisting Palestinians, emphasized the need for a humanitarian pause, stating, "We cannot vaccinate children under a sky full of bombs and strikes. We need humanity."

Continued Efforts for Ceasefire

Efforts led by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to broker a new ceasefire in the Gaza conflict are ongoing. However, despite multiple rounds of negotiations, there has been no indication of an imminent breakthrough, leaving families like Al-Jidyan's in a state of uncertainty as they navigate the challenges posed by the war.