By Alan Clement
South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has begun the disbursement of long-overdue incentive payments to frontline health workers in selected counties following the signing of a Quarter One output agreement with UNICEF under the Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP).
In a statement from the Ministry’s communication department, the Ministry said UNICEF, through designated Financial Service Providers, has “commenced the payment of incentive arrears covering the period from July to September 2025,” describing the incentives as “an essential component of efforts to support, motivate, and retain frontline health workers delivering critical health services across the country.”
According to the Ministry, payments are currently underway in Yirol West County in Lakes State, Bor South County in Jonglei State, and Awerial County in Lakes State, areas identified as having relatively easier operational access.
“In these locations, a significant number of health workers have already successfully received their incentives,” the Ministry said, noting that the payments are critical to sustaining morale and ensuring continuity of life-saving health services.
The Ministry acknowledged that disbursements have not yet reached all HSTP-supported facilities nationwide, but said preparations for payments in remaining counties are at an advanced stage.
“Disbursements in these areas are expected to commence in the coming days upon completion of ongoing biometric data verification,” the statement said, adding that the verification process is “a necessary safeguard to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability, and to guarantee that payments reach the rightful health workers.”
South Sudan’s health system remains heavily dependent on donor-supported programmes, with incentive payments under the HSTP forming a critical source of income for thousands of health workers amid persistent delays in government salary payments.
The Ministry acknowledged the strain caused by payment delays and commended health workers for maintaining services despite the challenges.
“The Ministry of Health sincerely appreciates the patience, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated by health workers throughout this period,” the statement said, describing them as “the backbone of the national health system.”
The Ministry further reaffirmed its partnership with UNICEF and other health sector actors, pledging to complete all remaining incentive payments across states and counties.
“The Ministry reaffirms its strong collaboration with UNICEF and all partners to ensure timely completion of the remaining payments in line with HSTP commitments,” the statement added.