Polio Pulse

Polio Pulse provides social listening insights to support GPEI’s polio interventions on disinformation, crisis communication, and strategic communication. Data is monitored from polio-endemic and outbreak countries and geographies classified by GPEI, covering 12 major languages spoken in these regions. The platform is managed by the UNICEF Digital Community Engagement (DCE) team.

Low Risk

Conspiracy theories follow reports of Israel blocking polio vaccines from entering Gaza

Geography
Palestine
Themes
Necessity
Safety and side effects

Analysis

On April 6, Gaza’s Health Ministry warned that Israel is blocking polio vaccines from entering the region, putting over 600,000 children at risk. In response, many commenters called for an end to the blockade, while other posts claimed that polio vaccines are “toxic” and unnecessary during the conflict.

Recommendations

The posts did not receive much attention, which decreases their risk. Continuing to explain that the vaccine is safe and the only way to prevent polio is recommended.