Case Study: Cholera Response in South Sudan: Rapid Aquatabs Deployment for Emergency Water Treatment

Overview

When cholera outbreaks strike South Sudan, the difference between containment and escalation often depends on one critical factor: immediate access to safe drinking water.

During the recent cholera emergency affecting Juba and multiple high-risk counties, Specialized Logistics Services (SLS) played a frontline role in supporting the national and humanitarian WASH response by mobilizing and distributing Aquatabs water purification tablets at scale.

As the sole authorized distributor in South Sudan for Aquatabs manufactured by Kersia, SLS ensured uninterrupted supply, rapid in-country deployment, and quality-assured emergency water treatment solutions during a period of heightened vulnerability.

Understanding the Cholera Risk in South Sudan

South Sudan remains one of the most cholera-vulnerable countries in the region due to:

Seasonal flooding that contaminates water sources
Population displacement and IDP settlements
Limited piped water infrastructure
Overstretched sanitation systems
Urban overcrowding in Juba and major hubs

Cholera spreads primarily through contaminated water. In emergency settings where centralized water treatment is limited or damaged, point-of-use water purification tablets become one of the fastest and most scalable interventions available.

For humanitarian agencies responding to a cholera outbreak in South Sudan, securing reliable in-country supply of water purification tablets is often a logistical bottleneck. International procurement delays, customs clearance constraints, and unpredictable freight timelines can slow response efforts.

This is where SLS provides strategic value.

The Role of Aquatabs in Cholera Emergency Response

Aquatabs are chlorine-based water purification tablets designed to disinfect contaminated water at the household level. When dissolved in water, they eliminate bacteria — including Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for cholera.

Why Aquatabs Are Critical in Cholera Outbreaks:

Rapid water disinfection (typically within 30 minutes)
Lightweight and easy to distribute
Cost-effective at scale
Suitable for household and community use
WHO-aligned emergency water treatment solution

In cholera response operations, Aquatabs are commonly distributed alongside hygiene promotion campaigns, oral rehydration support, and sanitation interventions.

However, effective deployment depends on secure supply chains, verified product quality, and in-country availability — particularly in high-risk environments like South Sudan.

SLS Response: 5,207 Boxes of Aquatabs Deployed

During the cholera response operation, Specialized Logistics Services (SLS) deployed a total of 5,207 boxes of Aquatabs water purification tablets across affected regions in South Sudan.

As the sole distributor of Kersia-manufactured Aquatabs in South Sudan, this volume reflects both our in-country stock capacity and our ability to scale rapidly during a public health emergency.

Each box of Aquatabs contains approximately 10,000 tablets. With each tablet capable of treating 20 liters of contaminated water, the cumulative impact of this deployment was substantial.

Total Water Treatment Capacity from 5,207 Boxes

5,207 boxes
10,000 tablets per box
20 liters treated per tablet

Total potential water treated:
👉 1,041,400,000 liters of water

That is over 1 billion liters of safe drinking water made possible through this cholera response intervention.

To put this into perspective, that volume of treated water can support hundreds of thousands of households during peak outbreak periods.

Why In-Country WASH Supply Chains Matter

One of the persistent challenges in humanitarian response across South Sudan is over-reliance on offshore procurement. International freight delays, foreign currency challenges, and regional insecurity can slow delivery timelines during critical periods.

By positioning itself as the leading Aquatabs supplier in South Sudan, SLS addresses this gap through:

Pre-positioned stock strategies
Established import and regulatory pathways
Local market understanding
High-risk environment logistics expertise

This model enhances:

National cholera response speed
Cost predictability for partners
Supply chain transparency
Emergency preparedness capacity

For NGOs, UN agencies, and government actors searching for a reliable water purification tablets supplier in South Sudan, SLS provides a secure and scalable solution.

SLS: Sole Distributor of Kersia Aquatabs in South Sudan

Guaranteed Product Authenticity

Direct manufacturer sourcing eliminates the risk of counterfeit or substandard water purification tablets — a serious concern in emergency markets.

Reduced Lead
Times

By maintaining established procurement channels and local stock strategies, SLS reduces reliance on slow international sourcing pipelines.

Large-Scale Procurement Capacity

Humanitarian agencies can access bulk quantities of Aquatabs through a trusted, in-country supplier. This strengthens South Sudan’s overall cholera preparedness and emergency WASH resilience.

Why Humanitarian Partners Choose SLS

Organizations responding to cholera outbreaks in South Sudan require:

Speed
Reliability
Authentic medical-grade products
Secure logistics
Transparent pricing

SLS delivers all five through:

Exclusive Aquatabs distribution rights
Deep operational experience in high-risk regions
Established warehouse and transport networks
Proven WASH sector engagement

Our operational footprint allows us to support projects not only in Juba but across broader high-risk corridors within South Sudan.

If your organization is planning cholera response, emergency WASH programming, or preparedness stockpiling in South Sudan, contact Specialized Logistics Services to discuss supply capacity and deployment support.