Health expenditure (% of GDP) in Sierra Leone
In 2023, health expenditure (as a percentage of GDP) in Sierra Leone was 4.7 %, down from 4.8 % in 2022. This gives Sierra Leone the 131st-highest globally (out of 194 economies with available data).
Health expenditure (% of GDP)
Current spending on healthcare goods and services
Sierra Leone
How Sierra Leone compares
About this indicator
Health expenditure (% of GDP) tracks the portion of a nation’s total economic wealth dedicated to the consumption of medical services and supplies. This figure encompasses everything from routine doctor visits and hospital treatments to public health programs and medical administration. It accounts for all funding sources, including state-funded programs, private insurance, and direct payments made by households.
This metric captures current expenditure; it specifically excludes long-term investments. This means spending on physical infrastructure - such as constructing new clinics or purchasing heavy medical equipment - is not included in this total.
While a higher share of GDP often suggests a more advanced or prioritized healthcare system, it also highlights the economic challenge of managing rising healthcare costs. This factor directly influences the long-term sustainability of national budgets and the overall well-being of the population.
This metric captures current expenditure; it specifically excludes long-term investments. This means spending on physical infrastructure - such as constructing new clinics or purchasing heavy medical equipment - is not included in this total.
While a higher share of GDP often suggests a more advanced or prioritized healthcare system, it also highlights the economic challenge of managing rising healthcare costs. This factor directly influences the long-term sustainability of national budgets and the overall well-being of the population.
Sources and updates
Data sources
The data for this indicator are synthesized from:
1. The OECD Health Statistics: Health expenditure and financing.
2. The World Health Organization (WHO): Global Health Observatory (GHO).
OECD data take precedence over WHO when both are available for a given country.
1. The OECD Health Statistics: Health expenditure and financing.
2. The World Health Organization (WHO): Global Health Observatory (GHO).
OECD data take precedence over WHO when both are available for a given country.
Last update
This indicator was last updated on Econorama on 15 July 2026 and reflects the latest data available from the underlying sources at that time.
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