ACCRA: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarms over the prevalence of polio among children living in conflict-affected regions, as the world observes World Polio Day. According to UNICEF's recent analysis, an overwhelming 85 percent of polio cases among children in 2023 occurred in fragile and conflict-impacted countries. The organization warns that polio incidents in these areas have more than doubled over the past five years. According to Ghana News Agency, UNICEF's analysis reveals that out of 541 polio-affected children globally in 2023, a significant 85 percent were in 31 vulnerable countries marked by conflict and instability. Routine childhood immunization rates in these regions have fallen from 75 to 70 percent, far below the 95 percent needed for community immunity. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine M. Russell highlighted the collapse of healthcare systems and the resurgence of diseases like polio in these areas. She emphasized the risk not only to children in these countries but also to neighboring regions. UNICEF notes a global decline in childhood immunization, contributing to increased polio outbreaks, even in countries previously polio-free for decades. This trend is pronounced in conflict-affected regions, with countries like Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen facing ongoing battles against polio. In response to recent polio outbreaks, UNICEF and its partners have intensified emergency efforts, notably in Gaza, where nearly 600,000 children were reached in a vaccination campaign in mid-September. Despite challenges, including renewed displacement and bombings, campaigns continue. In Sudan, national childhood vaccination coverage dropped from 85 percent to 53 percent in 2023, with even lower rates in active conflict zones. UNICEF and partners have led emergency campaigns, vaccinating 2.9 million children under five through house-to-house efforts. Despite the challenges, UNICEF believes polio eradication is possible. The organization u rges governments and donors to prioritize vaccination, strengthen immunization systems, and support initiatives like the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. UNICEF calls for political prioritization of polio eradication, emphasizing innovative solutions and coordinated actions to enhance immunization campaigns. The organization stresses the need for protecting healthcare workers and ensuring essential humanitarian pauses for successful vaccination efforts.