Investing in a skilled, healthy workforce, infrastructure, and technology is essential for economic growth and job creation. Prioritizing health helps countries build the human capital necessary for shared prosperity and improved societal well-being. Investing in health also generates broader economic and employment benefits, especially for women, who comprise over 70% of the global health workforce but hold only 25% of senior roles.
Insufficient investments in health continue to impede progress. Low-income countries allocate less than 2% of GDP to health, leaving millions without essential care. Without strategic investments, health systems will struggle with aging populations, rising diseases, and emerging health threats, leading to economic stagnation. The World Bank estimates that failing to invest in supportive health systems could incur billions in annual economic losses, weakening long-term growth.
Investments in health not only create jobs but also bolster economies. They provide direct jobs, such as doctors and nurses, and create indirect opportunities across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and related sectors. In low-income countries, one job in the health sector can generate an estimated 3.4 additional jobs across related industries.
To achieve sustainable growth, job creation, and strengthened health systems, health financing must be adequate, efficient, and equitable to ensure access for all.
The World Bank Group is committed to advancing health sector job creation and strengthening health systems through financing, knowledge-sharing, and partnerships. The Bank aims to support developing countries in providing affordable, quality health services to 1.5 billion people by 2030. Since announcing this goal in 2024, 200 million people have benefitted from IDA and IBRD financing.
Focus areas for the World Bank include transforming the health systems labor market, tackling youth unemployment through the care economy, and expanding investment across the healthcare value chain. These efforts aim to improve healthcare access, efficiency, and employment.
Global engagement is essential for a healthier, more prosperous future. Private companies, public institutions, and governments play crucial roles in improving health outcomes and driving growth. Through strategic health investments, society can become more resilient, with the World Bank collaborating with global partners to amplify the impact of health investments.
The World Bank supports various countries in achieving better health outcomes, economic gains, and sustainable jobs. In Indonesia, the World Bank has contributed over $5 billion since 2018, expanding health insurance to 98% of the population by 2024 and reducing stunting rates. In Tanzania, a private sector program led to significant decreases in maternal and newborn deaths. In Argentina, the World Bank is aiding healthcare modernization in Buenos Aires Province. In Côte d’Ivoire, World Bank support scaled the National Health Insurance program, increasing enrollment from 10% in 2023 to 62% by April 2025, with a goal of 80% by August 2025, creating over 10,000 direct jobs.
Improving health and economic growth requires collective action from diverse partners, aiming to build stronger, more resilient societies.