This annual campaign aims to promote accessible, reliable health information to the public, with a particular focus on empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Health literacy refers to an individual's ability to read, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions about their health and navigate healthcare services. Unfortunately, the UK faces significant challenges in this area:
- 42% of working-age adults in England struggle to understand and use everyday health information
- This figure rises to 61% when numeracy skills are required
- An estimated 15 to 21 million people in the UK may lack the skills needed to live a healthy life
The consequences of low health literacy are far-reaching:
- Increased risk of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours
- Lower uptake of preventive services, including immunisations and screenings
- Difficulty managing long-term health conditions
- Greater reliance on emergency services
- Higher healthcare costs
The cost of low health literacy
The economic impact of poor health literacy is substantial. Research estimates that it costs the NHS in England between £2.95 billion and £4.92 billion per year. This underscores the urgent need to address health literacy as a key factor in improving public health and reducing healthcare costs.
Combating misinformation
In the digital age, the spread of health misinformation poses a significant challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of health literacy in helping people distinguish between accurate health information and potentially harmful falsehoods. Health Information Week 2025 aims to equip the public with the skills to critically evaluate health information and identify reliable sources.
Strategies for improvement
To address these challenges, healthcare providers and information producers can take several steps:
- Simplify health materials by avoiding medical jargon and complex language
- Present balanced information on the benefits and risks of treatments
- Develop health-literate information that works for everyone, regardless of literacy level
- Provide clear, accessible information for all patients and service users
Conclusion
Health Information Week 2025 serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of health literacy in reducing health inequalities and combating misinformation. By working together to improve health literacy across the UK, we can empower individuals to take control of their health, make informed decisions, and ultimately lead healthier lives.
For more information about the week visit their website