South Sudan Cholera: Juba Receives 2 Million Water Purification Tablets

Aquatab water purification tablets (Photo Credit: chimpreports)

The United States government has delivered more than two million Aquatab water purification tablets as part of the humanitarian response to South Sudan’s ongoing cholera outbreak. 

These tablets, provided through USAID, will treat six million gallons of water, providing safe drinking water to communities most affected by the outbreak, said the U.S. Mission in South Sudan. 

Since cholera was confirmed in Upper Nile State on October 23, the outbreak has spread rapidly, with more than 13,206 cases and 199 deaths reported as of December 29, 2024.

The U.S. Embassy said it was working with partners, including UNICEF, IOM, MSF, and WHO, to deliver emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, provide life-saving medical care, support vaccination campaigns, provide treatment kits and diagnostic tests, and raise public awareness to curb the spread of cholera.

In addition to these efforts, the United States has committed $200,000 to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support cholera response activities in South Sudan. 

“This funding will enhance public awareness campaigns on the dangers of cholera and prevention measures such as safe water use, proper food handling, and good hygiene practices,” said the embassy, adding, “It will also strengthen WASH interventions and equip health officials with critical resources to treat cases effectively.”

South Sudan has suffered from perennial cholera outbreaks with devastating effects on the health, wellbeing, and socio-economic status of the people.

Crisis

Since the 2013 crisis, cholera cases have been reported almost every year in major urban centres such as Juba, in internally displaced populations and cattle camps, flood affected locations, and other locations with inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. 

It remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development. 

A multifaceted approach is key to control cholera, and to reduce deaths. When used along with improved access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, two-doses of oral cholera vaccine are very effective for cholera prevention, giving protection to those at risk.

Source: https://chimpreports.com/south-sudan-cholera-juba-receives-2-million-water-purification-tablets/