"Polio spreads as targeting of health workers continues" - The SJAC Weekly Update

11/3/13, 9:08 AM

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The SJAC Weekly Update- October 31, 2013

Polio spreads as targeting of health workers continues

In the latest example of Syrias dire health crisis, ten cases of polio were confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) this week. But this shouldnt come as a surprise given the circumstances. While the conflict puts many Syrians at risk, two particular kinds of tacticsthe targeting of health workers and the denial of access to humanitarian and medical workersconstitute violations that are exacerbating a critical situation. Back in June, a WHO official claimed that in Syria outbreaks are inevitable. The prediction is being born out today in unfortunate clarity. Last weeks World Polio Day, which celebrated global progress toward eradicating the disease, came in stark contrast to Syrias recent confirmed cases. The outbreaks mark the first reports of polio in Syria in over a decade, according to WHO. The 22 suspected cases all involve children in the Deir el-Zoor province and over 100,000 children in the province are thought to be at risk. There is no cure for Polio, but it can be protected against with just three doses of avaccine. WHO reported that [h]ealth authorities in Syria and neighbouring countries had already began the planning and implementation of the comprehensive outbreak response.(Photo: UNICEF/Halabi via UN News Centre.)

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The SJAC is an independent, non-political, Syrian-led, and multi-laterally supported organization that serves as a coordinating body for all actors promoting transitional justice and accountability for Syria. The SJAC provides vetted, accurate data on human rights violations occurring on all sides of the conflict in Syria. The SJAC expertise and data is used in the transitional justice process for Syria.

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"Polio spreads as targeting of health workers continues" - The SJAC Weekly Update

11/3/13, 9:08 AM

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