The situation in Jalozai refugee camp, based outside Peshawar, Pakistan, is slightly improving. According to MSF the population of the camp is between 35,000 and 45,000, mostly new arrivals from the north of Afghanistan. Due to the deteriorating situation in the camp MSF wrote a report highlighting the situation in Jalozai using basic MSF medical data.

The aim was to apply pressure on the UNHCR and the Pakistani authorities to improve the situation as well as open access for NGO's to improve the camp conditions, for example provision of adequate sanitation and health activities.

It also pointed to the optimum solution: the relocation of the Jalozai camp population to an appropriate site within Pakistan. The report resulted in a positive reaction of the other organisations. MSF, together with CARE, pursued a common distribution starting this week of jerry cans, soap and plastic sheeting.

This distribution was started to complete a distribution by UNHCR, which provided plastic sheeting to the refugees affected by the rains of ten days ago. MSF and CARE distributed to the other refugees in Jalozai camp. MSF is also in discussion with OXFAM and IRC to improve the water availability and construction of more latrines.

Next to those activities the World Food Programme (WFP) agreed to provide MSF the required food supplies for the supplementary feeding centre in the camp. The supplies are based upon 200 children for 17 weeks. Although the status of the Jalozai camp and its population is still uncertain MSF is pleased to have opened a strong dialogue with the UNHCR and to participate in a distribution to address the poor camp conditions.