Afghanistan Health Spending
Current health expenditure as % of GDP SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS
Afghanistan's health spending was 21.13% in 2025, ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 41.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2002–2025.
Overview
Afghanistan's health spending stood at 21.13% in 2025, a rise of +6.15% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 21.13% by 2025. Afghanistan ranked 3rd globally.
Afghanistan's health spending has fluctuated significantly over the past 23 years, with the latest figure standing at 21.13 in 2025, ranking third globally. The country experienced its all-time peak in 2022 with 23.09, while its lowest point was in 2012 with 7.90. In comparison to its peers, Afghanistan's health spending surpasses that of the United States, which stands at 16.45, but falls short of Tuvalu's 26.67. The significant variation in health spending over the years may be attributed to various factors, including changes in government policies and external aid. As the country continues to navigate its development trajectory, a sustained increase in health spending would likely require consistent economic growth and strategic investment in the healthcare sector, which could potentially alter the current trend in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 21.92% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 21.13% | - | - |
| 2025 | 21.13% | +6.15% | #3 |
| 2023 | 14.99% | −8.10% | #188 |
| 2022 | 23.09% | +1.58% | #191 |
| 2021 | 21.51% | +5.97% | #192 |
| 2020 | 15.53% | +0.70% | #190 |
| 2019 | 14.83% | +0.62% | #188 |
| 2018 | 14.21% | +1.59% | #189 |
| 2017 | 12.62% | +0.80% | #189 |
| 2016 | 11.82% | +1.71% | #186 |
| 2015 | 10.11% | +0.58% | #170 |
| 2014 | 9.53% | +0.72% | #165 |
| 2013 | 8.81% | +0.91% | #156 |
| 2012 | 7.90% | −0.66% | #137 |
| 2011 | 8.56% | −0.01% | #149 |
| 2010 | 8.57% | −1.25% | #147 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Afghanistan matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2022. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw health spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Afghanistan's health spending was 21.13% in 2025. Ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 41.0% increase from the previous year.
Afghanistan's health spending peaked at 23.09% in 2022.
The lowest health spending in Afghanistan was 7.90% in 2012.
Afghanistan ranks 3rd globally in health spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Afghanistan's health spending is projected to reach 21.13% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health spending of Afghanistan in 2025 was 21.13%. This ranks 3rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_afghanistan_health-spending,
title = {Afghanistan Health Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/afghanistan/health-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}