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% of GDP is spent on health care in OECD countries.

The OECD takes a multidimensional approach as a wide range of government policies can affect health. The OECD collects cross-country data in the OECD Health Data , one of the most comprehensive sources of health-related statistics, which contributes to a better understanding of health policy.

The OECD has studied health policies, health outcomes, health-care systems and their financing. The OECD has also examined environment issues such as the implications of chemicals on health, evaluated the application of bio-technologies to health care and health issues relevant to non-OECD countries.

The OECD is currently expanding work on health with a three-year project, focused on measuring, analysing and improving the performance of health systems. The OECD collaborates with other international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), for example with the WHO Commission on Macroeconomics and Health .

For further information please consult: www.oecd.org/health