Lao PDR Health Expenditure per Capita
Current health expenditure per capita SH.XPD.CHEX.PC.CD
Lao PDR's health expenditure per capita was $15 in 2025, ranked 189th globally. This represents a 45.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's health expenditure per capita stood at $15 in 2025, a decline of +$12 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $15 by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 189th globally.
Lao PDR’s health expenditure per capita has risen modestly from 14.10 in 2000 to 15.01 in 2025, placing the country at rank 189 globally. The trajectory, however, is punctuated by a sharp spike in 2021 when spending peaked at 68.62, a level far above the long‑term average and likely driven by pandemic‑related outlays. The all‑time trough of 12.91 in 2002 underscores how low baseline financing has been for the past quarter‑century. Compared with peer nations of similar rank, Lao PDR’s 2025 figure trails Sudan’s 17.21 and Madagascar’s 17.73, suggesting limited fiscal space for health despite recent increases. The modest upward trend since the early 2000s indicates gradual prioritisation of health, yet sustaining higher per‑capita spending will depend on fiscal reforms, external aid, and the capacity to translate occasional spikes into a steady growth path. Continued investment could shift the country toward the mid‑range of its peers in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Expenditure per Capita | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | $6 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $15 | - | - |
| 2025 | $15 | −$12 | #189 |
| 2023 | $27 | −$14 | #184 |
| 2022 | $41 | −$27 | #175 |
| 2021 | $69 | +$17 | #161 |
| 2020 | $52 | −$16 | #168 |
| 2019 | $68 | +$10 | #152 |
| 2018 | $57 | −$4 | #163 |
| 2017 | $61 | +$7 | #156 |
| 2016 | $54 | +$2 | #164 |
| 2015 | $52 | +$7 | #167 |
| 2014 | $46 | +$2 | #171 |
| 2013 | $43 | +$11 | #170 |
| 2012 | $32 | +$5 | #178 |
| 2011 | $27 | −$7 | #181 |
| 2010 | $35 | −$1 | #169 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lao PDR matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw health expenditure per capita improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's health expenditure per capita was $15 in 2025. Ranked 189th globally. This represents a 45.3% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's health expenditure per capita peaked at $69 in 2021.
The lowest health expenditure per capita in Lao PDR was $13 in 2002.
Lao PDR ranks 189th globally in health expenditure per capita as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.PC.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's health expenditure per capita is projected to reach $15 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health expenditure per capita of Lao PDR in 2025 was $15. This ranks 189th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_health-expenditure-per-capita,
title = {Lao PDR Health Expenditure per Capita},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/health-expenditure-per-capita/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}