The living conditions of the refugee population are troubling. People are in need of food and shelter and their health condition is quite weak. We have already detected cases of measles.

The situation in Chad is deteriorating dramatically with a continually increasing number of refugees. At the moment, some 30,000 people are staying in the Goré region while, in and around Maro, the number of refugees has reached approximately 9,000.

New refugee camps are needed to deal with the constant refugee influx. "We have just sent a full charter flight to Chad," said Sonia Peyrassol, emergency coordinator for MSF in Chad.

"The cargo consisted of 40 tons of plastic sheeting, medication, a vaccination kit, nutrition kit, logistical material, hospital kit and equipment for water and sanitation.

There were also two more MSF expatriates on board to reinforce the teams. "At this moment we have some 30 international aid workers in the field. They are assisting the UNHCR in identifying sites and constructing new camps in Maro and Goré.

We also have water and sanitation experts on the ground to provide water distribution and latrines for the camp populations." The new refugee camp in Maro should provide shelter for 10,000 people.

MSF started a health centre some two weeks ago and currently does about 100 to 150 medical consultations per day. The new camp in Goré will host some 15,000 people.

"The living conditions of the refugee population are troubling. People are in need of food and shelter and their health condition is quite weak. We have already detected cases of measles.

To deal with this we are conducting measles vaccination campaigns for a total of 200,000 children between six months and 15 years," Sonia Peyrassol continued. On top of that, some cases of meningitis have been recorded as well.

So far MSF has identified nine cases in Doba. Eight patients have died. MSF is planning a vaccination campaign for about 30,000 people in the affected area. Another full cargo will be sent to Chad within a few weeks.

The freight will consist of 3,000 tents and kits with logistical, water and sanitation equipment. Two more expatriates will also reinforce the sanitation system in the district.