Insights from the 2024 Global Health Literacy Summit 

Health literacy is all about growing the knowledge, skills and support that will inform and empower healthy living and healthy behaviours. At this year’s Global Health Literacy Summit, over 200 people from more than 40 countries came together to share experiences and best practice to help shape the future agenda of health literacy.

In this Q&A, we dive into insights from Kristine Sørensen, President of the International Health Literacy Association, and Vicky Edmonds, Social Impact Director at Haleon, who attended the Global Health Literacy Summit. 

Low health literacy is a global challenge. From your perspective, what is the most pressing action stakeholders need to take to build resilience through health literacy?

Vicky: First, we need to close the data gaps. Without accurate data, we can’t fully understand the scope of the problem, and if we don’t know the size of the challenge, we can’t begin to solve it. Fortunately, by investing in research to better understand the barriers to health literacy, we’re already working towards narrowing those gaps. The next step is ensuring that we create resources and materials that are truly focused on the communities we serve and reflect their needs.

Kristine: Exactly. Being a health-literate business isn’t just about reaching consumers; it’s about understanding them on a deeper level and engaging with them meaningfully.

How important is collaboration in addressing these challenges and improving health literacy globally?

Kristine: Collaboration is essential. It’s my hope that businesses will come together with policymakers and NGOs to bring health literacy to life. Many companies that are interested in this area are global, with diverse workforces spread around the world. If we apply the lens of health literacy, it opens a dialogue where people feel respected and included. I believe it’s through collaboration that we’ll see the most significant progress.

Vicky: Collaboration is a huge part of our strategy, especially when it comes to engaging local communities through our purposeful brands. For example, Caltrate’s Bone Health programme engages and educates both Health Professionals and consumers on how to prevent and manage osteoporosis. Caltrate has partnered with the Chinese government since 2014 on this programme. In 2023, the programme conducted 186,000 free bone tests in 90 cities, 593 hospitals, and 736 pharmacy stores across China with the aim of helping people prevent and manage osteoporosis.

Vicky, you were part of a panel discussion during the IHLA Summit. Can you tell us more about what was discussed and some of the key themes that emerged?

Vicky: The panel focused on ensuring that inclusivity is at the centre of health literacy initiatives. One of the key points was making sure no one is left behind, which means we have to actively seek diverse perspectives from across different communities. Haleon’s investment in research to better understand barriers to health literacy is a prime example of how we can achieve that by integrating the voices of the community into everything we do. This data helps us better reflect and support the needs of those we serve.
 

Health inclusivity is a big focus for Haleon. Kristine, how has your experience working with Haleon on this journey been?

Kristine: It’s been a real privilege to work with a company that truly understands what health literacy is about. Haleon is focused on helping people make informed health decisions—whether they’re trying to stay healthy or recover from illness. What’s been so refreshing is Haleon’s openness to new ideas and willingness to let go of traditional ways of doing things, all while asking, “How can we do better?” Haleon has been courageous in taking steps to improve health literacy both within the company and beyond. 

What insights or perspectives have you gained from the summit that you’ll carry forward in your work on health literacy?

Kristine: One of the most valuable outcomes of this summit has been the connectedness among participants. With so many countries represented, it’s clear that this is a global agenda. During the meeting more regional and national health literacy networks—such as the new American Health Literacy Association and the health literacy alliance of Australia and New Zealand were launched. network after this meeting. The momentum we’ve built here will continue to grow.

Vicky: This summit has shown me just how strong the health literacy community is. We’re all in this together, and I’m excited to bring the some of the research we’re currently supporting to this group in the coming year. I look forward to sharing our findings and further collaborating with this incredibly engaged network.