Health literacy policies - how can they be developed and implemented? A guide for policy and decision makers

Health literacy has become a global priority for promoting health, preventing disease and improving the quality and outcomes of healthcare. In Europe and beyond, there is political recognition of health literacy being an important factor for good health and well-being. As health literacy is considered critical to achieving health and as limited health literacy is still a widespread phenomenon, the topic is steadily attracting more attention among policy and decision makers. To support awareness raising, improve commitment and implement effective policies to increase health literacy, this policy guide was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) Action Network on Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy (M-POHL). It addresses decision makers in health policy and administration but may also inspire researchers and other relevant stakeholders working in the field of health literacy.