Healthcare Spending: South Sudan, Republic of

Analysis# South Sudan, Republic of Healthcare Spending South Sudan allocated 11.61% of its GDP to healthcare in 2023, recovering from a six-year low but remaining far below historical levels. The nation's healthcare spending peaked at 22.113% of GDP in 2017, then collapsed dramatically to 6.301% by 2021—a 71.5% decline in four years. Since 2017, overall spending has contracted 47.5%, reflecting severe fiscal constraints and economic instability that have constrained the country's ability to fund public health infrastructure. A sharp rebound between 2022 and 2023 marks the most significant positive movement in the recent trend, with spending jumping from 6.573% to 11.61%. This uptick suggests potential policy priorities or improved revenue conditions, though spending remains half its 2017 baseline. The trajectory indicates ongoing volatility rather than sustained recovery, positioning South Sudan's healthcare investment well below the African regional average.