Position Statement on Health Literacy: A Vision for a Health Literate World - A global advocacy tool

Issue

As research related to health literacy (HL) mounts and increasing attention is given to HL in developing policies for health promotion, public health and healthcare systems, likewise there is a growing need to sustain a common ground for countries and institutions globally, to advocate together for HL.

Description of policy

The Position Statement on Health Literacy – A Vision for a Health Literate World was originally developed by the IUHPE Global Working Group on Health Literacy global members in 2017, and was subsequently updated in 2023 by core group leadership who, in addition to their areas of expertise, represent international partners and stakeholders. The purpose of the document is to support advocacy efforts on behalf of HL globally, taking into consideration lessons learned about the value of HL for health promotion, public health and healthcare following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as emerging trends in digital health literacy /AI and emergency/crisis situations.

Results

Overarching action areas include HL and 1. health promotion policy 2. appropriate evidence-based interventions; 3. the growing evidence base of HL research in contexts and across the lifespan; 4. building capacity in the workforce – sharing knowledge, applying an inter-sectorial approach. Since the ratification of the 2023 version by the IUHPE Executive Board, the statement, available in 3 languages, has been widely disseminated through academic publications, websites, social media, and national and international conferences. It has also been used as a teaching tool for capacity building for policy makers, practitioners and researchers.

Lessons

The Position Statement plays an important role in advocating for equity through HL as a vehicle for health promotion. It also provides strategic recommendations in policy, research and practice. Critically, the tool is a living document with ongoing feedback and plans for timely updates according to emerging public health issues.

Key messages

• The position statement serves as a firm basis for policy discussions, focusing on the relevance of health literacy to timely global public health issues, and its crucial role in investing for health.

• As an advocacy tool developed through active participation of experts from across the globe, the position statements promotes organizational health literacy and a systems approach to health literacy.