Infection-control readiness cannot wait for crisis, warns Hydrachem after Ebola response supply work

BILLINGSHURST, England, June 12, 2026 — UK manufacturer Hydrachem is emphasizing the need for proactive infection-control preparedness amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. The company, which has over 50 years of experience in water purification and infection control, is currently supplying emergency water purification products, including Oasis water purification tablets and granules, to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and UNICEF for distribution in affected communities.

The products create a hypochlorous acid solution when dissolved, offering superior disinfection capabilities compared to traditional liquid bleach. Hydrachem highlights that while chlorine-based disinfection is essential, the products must also be practical for storage and use in regions with strained infrastructure and supply chains.

Nicholas Barbieri, Chief Commercial Officer at Hydrachem, stated, “In an outbreak, infection prevention often comes down to very practical questions. Can supplies get there quickly? Can they be stored safely? Can they be prepared correctly? And can response teams use them consistently under pressure?” He emphasized that alongside liquid bleach, long shelf-life formats like tablets and granules should be considered in preparedness plans.

While not a substitute for comprehensive infection prevention measures, tablets and granules are seen as advantageous due to their compact format and extended shelf life, which facilitate easier stockpiling, transport, and deployment during emergencies. Hydrachem urges that the current Ebola response should spark a broader dialogue on how to arrange infection-control supplies prior to emergencies rather than in reaction to surges in demand.