(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has started paying long overdue incentive arrears to frontline health workers in selected counties, following the signing of a Quarter One output agreement with UNICEF under the Health Sector Transformation Project.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s communication department, the Ministry said UNICEF, working through designated Financial Service Providers, has begun paying incentive arrears covering the period from July to September 2025. The Ministry described the incentives as a key measure to support, motivate and retain health workers delivering essential services across the country.
According to the Ministry, payments are currently taking place in Yirol West County in Lakes State, Bor South County in Jonglei State and Awerial County in Lakes State. These locations were selected due to relatively easier operational access, which has allowed the payment process to move forward more quickly.
The Ministry said that in these counties, a large number of health workers have already received their incentives. It noted that the payments are important for maintaining morale among staff and ensuring the continued delivery of life saving health services to communities.
While welcoming the progress, the Ministry acknowledged that payments have not yet reached all facilities supported under the Health Sector Transformation Project. It said preparations for disbursements in the remaining counties are at an advanced stage.
The Ministry explained that payments in other areas are expected to begin in the coming days once biometric data verification is completed. It said the verification process is necessary to ensure accuracy, transparency and accountability, and to make sure payments reach the correct health workers.
South Sudan’s health sector remains heavily reliant on donor supported programmes, with incentive payments under the Health Sector Transformation Project providing a critical source of income for thousands of health workers. This comes at a time when government salary payments continue to face delays.
The Ministry recognised the pressure caused by delayed payments and praised health workers for continuing to provide services despite difficult conditions. It described health workers as central to the functioning of the national health system.
The Ministry reaffirmed its partnership with UNICEF and other health sector partners, and committed to completing all remaining incentive payments across states and counties in line with project commitments.
Counties currently receiving incentive payments
| State | County |
|---|---|
| Lakes State | Yirol West |
| Jonglei State | Bor South |
| Lakes State | Awerial |
The Ministry said it will continue to update stakeholders as payments expand to other areas, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen service delivery and stability in South Sudan’s health sector.
