SEPTEMBER 8 is observed globally as International Literacy Day, reminding us that literacy is a foundation for human development, opportunity and participation. UNESCO has observed the day since 1967. In 2026, International Literacy Day marks its 60th anniversary under the theme “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.” The theme reminds us that literacy must evolve with changing needs. For public health, this discussion has another dimension: health literacy.
Being able to read and write does not necessarily mean that a person can understand a prescription, interpret a laboratory report, evaluate health information on social media or make an informed decision about vaccination. The World Health Organization describes health literacy as the ability to access, understand, appraise and use information and services in ways that promote and maintain health and well-being.
This matters in Pakistan, where families make daily health decisions. Should a child receive a recommended vaccine? How should a medicine be taken? When should a fever or cough require medical attention? What does a doctor’s advice mean? These decisions require health services and clear communication.
Health literacy is important for people with chronic diseases. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and other long-term conditions may need to understand medicines, follow-up appointments, dietary advice, warning signs and lifestyle recommendations for years. If information is confusing or inaccessible, managing illness becomes more difficult.
The challenge is more complicated because health information spreads rapidly through digital platforms. Social media can help people obtain useful information, but it can also amplify misinformation. A message appearing repeatedly on a mobile phone is not necessarily evidence. People need skills to question claims, identify credible sources and distinguish scientific guidance from rumours.
Importantly, health literacy should not be treated as the responsibility of individuals alone. WHO emphasizes that health systems and information providers have responsibilities. Governments, health facilities, professionals and communities should ensure that health information is accurate, understandable, culturally appropriate and actionable. Health workers need communication skills alongside clinical knowledge. Pakistan can strengthen health literacy by integrating practical health education into schools, improving communication at primary health facilities, using local languages, developing easy-to-understand health materials and promoting reliable digital information. Community health workers can play an important role as trusted sources of family health information.
Health literacy should be linked with health equity. People facing poverty, limited education, language barriers or difficulty accessing services may face greater challenges obtaining trustworthy health information. Improving health literacy can help people participate in health decisions and engage with services.
International Literacy Day offers an opportunity to look beyond conventional literacy. Pakistan needs citizens who can not only read words, but also understand health information, ask questions, recognize misinformation and make informed choices. Literacy empowers people. Health literacy empowers them to protect their health.
As Pakistan strengthens its health system, improving health literacy should become an important part of public health policy. A healthier society requires not only hospitals, medicines and trained professionals, but also people who have the knowledge and confidence to make informed health decisions effectively.
—The writer is public health consultant, based in Islamabad.
