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Case Study: Aquatabs Cholera Response in South Sudan — 52 Million Tablets Deployed for Emergency Water Treatment
Overview: Emergency Aquatabs Deployment for South Sudan’s Cholera Outbreak
When South Sudan declared a cholera outbreak in October 2024, the disease spread from Renk in the north to Juba, Malakal, and Bentiu within days — fuelled by mass displacement from Sudan, seasonal flooding, contaminated water sources, and an overstretched health system.
By early 2025, over 96,000 cases had been recorded nationally. Specialized Logistics Solutions (SLS), as the sole authorised distributor of Aquatabs in South Sudan, mobilised a frontline WASH response: deploying 5,207 boxes of Aquatabs water purification tablets — over 52 million individual tablets with a combined treatment capacity exceeding 1 billion litres of safe drinking water. This case study details the cholera context, the SLS supply chain operation, the scale of deployment, and why in-country WASH supply capability was decisive in the response.
Understanding the Cholera Risk in South Sudan
South Sudan remains one of the most cholera-vulnerable countries in the region due to:
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Seasonal flooding that contaminates water sources
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Population displacement and IDP settlements
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Limited piped water infrastructure
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Overstretched sanitation systems
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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:
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Rapid water disinfection (typically within 30 minutes)
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Lightweight and easy to distribute
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Cost-effective at scale
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Suitable for household and community use
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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 Cholera Response: 5,207 Boxes of Aquatabs Deployed — Over 1 Billion Litres of Safe Water
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
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5,207 boxes
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10,000 tablets per box
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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 NGOs and UN Agencies Choose SLS for Emergency Water Purification Procurement
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:
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Pre-positioned stock strategies
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Established import and regulatory pathways
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Local market understanding
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High-risk environment logistics expertise
This model enhances:
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National cholera response speed
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Cost predictability for partners
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Supply chain transparency
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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 Authorised Distributor of Aquatabs (Medentech / Kersia) in South Sudan
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Guaranteed Product Authenticity
Direct manufacturer sourcing eliminates the risk of counterfeit or substandard water purification tablets — a serious concern in emergency markets.
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Reduced Lead
Times
By maintaining established procurement channels and local stock strategies, SLS reduces reliance on slow international sourcing pipelines.
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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 NGOs and UN Agencies Choose SLS for Emergency Water Purification Procurement
Organizations responding to cholera outbreaks in South Sudan require:
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Speed
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Reliability
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Authentic medical-grade products
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Secure logistics
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Transparent pricing
SLS delivers all five through:
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Exclusive Aquatabs distribution rights
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Deep operational experience in high-risk regions
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Established warehouse and transport networks
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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.