By  Chuol Chanyong

The National Minister of Health, Yolanda Awel Deng, has raised concerns about the challenges facing the health workers across the country.

The minister highlighted the workers’ difficult working conditions and low salaries.

She made the remarks after a closed-door meeting with the US Ambassador Michael J Adler, on Thursday.

They discussed the critical role that United States Agency for International Development (USAID) plays in supporting health centers across South Sudan. 

Awel praised the healthcare workers whom she said often put themselves at risk to provide essential services.

She expressed her ministry’s commitment to cooperating with the donors, including USAID to ensure that the health sector is adequately supported and that priority is given to the well-being of health workers.

The minister highlighted ongoing reforms through financing cooperation with partners, including USAID as the largest contributor to health sector services in the country. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Adler called on the government to pay the salaries of its employees and reduce the risks borne by the dedicated aid workers serving the people of South Sudan.

Also, he stressed on the urgent need for the government to increase public revenues to strengthen health facilities.