The health impact of COVID-19 has been devastating, killing millions and causing long-lasting symptoms for many that survive. It has placed immense pressure on health care services that were often already overstretched before the pandemic.

©OECD

Life expectancy fell in most countries during the pandemic, mental distress has increased, and large health inequalities persist.

©OECD

Smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy nutrition, lack of physical activity and obesity are the root cause of many chronic conditions and increase the risk of people dying from COVID-19.

©OECD

Despite universal health coverage in most OECD countries, barriers to access remain, with COVID-19 disrupting health care for people with other needs.

©OECD

Quality of care is improving in terms of safety and effectiveness, and more attention is being placed on patient-reported outcomes and experiences.

©OECD

Pre-COVID-19, spending on health amounted to 8.8% of GDP on average across OECD countries. With the onset of COVID 19, sharp increases in health spending occurred in many countries, notably within Europe.

©OECD

The number of doctors and nurses have increased over the past decade in nearly all OECD countries, but shortages persist. These shortages have been thrown into sharp relief during the pandemic.

©OECD

Pharmaceuticals account for around one-sixth of health spending on average. Increased uptake of generics and biosimilars can increase value-for-money in health systems.

©OECD

Health systems should adapt to meet the needs of an ageing population, including a greater demand for labour-intensive long-term care and more integrated, person-centred care.

©OECD