Implementing a routine health management information system in South Sudan

South Sudan has recently acquired statehood. Planning and management of the health care system, based on evidence, requires a constant flow of information from health services. The Division of Monitoring and Evaluation (ME consensus was built on the need for collecting only the relevant data for action and the database for the South Sudan information system was developed in the District Health Information Software (DHIS). This joint approach provided the needed impulse for the health agencies to adhere to the MOH system. From February 2011, a flurry of activities happened to support M&E in states and counties including provision of equipment, printing and distribution of registers and manuals and training in HMIS and DHIS of MOH officers, partners and programmes staff. This approach has started to pay off and the routine information system is progressing. This paper presents the path followed, challenges met, advances made, and the way forward in establishing an integrated routine HMIS in South Sudan.