South Sudan Health Spending
Current health expenditure as % of GDP SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS
South Sudan's health spending was 9.50% in 2025, ranked 35th globally. This represents a 18.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2017–2025.
Overview
South Sudan's health spending stood at 9.50% in 2025, a decline of +2.11% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 9.50% by 2025. South Sudan ranked 35th globally.
South Sudan's health spending has experienced significant fluctuations over the past eight years, with the most recent figure standing at 9.50% of its GDP. Prior to this, health spending peaked in 2017 at 22.11%, but declined sharply to 6.30% in 2021, marking the lowest point in the country's health expenditure history. When compared to peer countries, South Sudan's health spending is closer to that of Guinea-Bissau, ranking 35th globally. Brazil, which ranks higher with a health spending rate of 9.60%, and the Netherlands, with a rate of 9.43%, serve as notable examples of countries with more robust health spending. The drastic decline in health spending between 2017 and 2021 suggests that economic instability and conflict have had a profound impact on the country's ability to allocate resources towards healthcare. As South Sudan continues to navigate its economic recovery, a sustained increase in health spending is crucial to addressing its health challenges and improving the well-being of its citizens.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 9.74% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 9.50% | - | - |
| 2025 | 9.50% | −2.11% | #35 |
| 2023 | 11.61% | +5.04% | #181 |
| 2022 | 6.57% | +0.27% | #95 |
| 2021 | 6.30% | −3.05% | #84 |
| 2020 | 9.35% | +0.29% | #147 |
| 2019 | 9.07% | −2.63% | #158 |
| 2018 | 11.70% | −10.42% | #187 |
| 2017 | 22.11% | – | #191 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Sudan matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2024. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw health spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's health spending was 9.50% in 2025. Ranked 35th globally. This represents a 18.1% decrease from the previous year.
South Sudan's health spending peaked at 22.11% in 2017.
The lowest health spending in South Sudan was 6.30% in 2021.
South Sudan ranks 35th globally in health spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Sudan's health spending is projected to reach 9.50% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health spending of South Sudan in 2025 was 9.50%. This ranks 35th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_health-spending,
title = {South Sudan Health Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/health-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}