Good health is necessary for individuals to flourish as citizens, family members, workers and consumers. Improving health is a key concern of OECD societies, as it can contribute to higher economic growth and improved welfare. On average, about 8%-10% of GDP is spent on health care in OECD countries.

The OECD has long provided leadership in the area of health data and statistics. The OECD collects cross-country data in the OECD Health Data, one of the most comprehensive source of comparable statistics on health and health systems across OECD countries.

A wide range of government policies can affect health. The OECD analyses the financial sustainability, the efficiency and quality of health and long-term care systems in member countries. The OECD also examines environment issues such as the implications of chemicals on health, evaluates the application of bio-technologies to health care and health issues relevant to non-OECD countries.

Between 2001 and 2004, the OECD carried out the Health Project, which  focused on measuring, analysing and improving the performance of health systems. OECD continues to work on health through a new programme of work for the biennium 2007-2008. The OECD collaborates with other international organisations such as the WHO.

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