Health Literacy and Education- IHF Literacy Project
Illiteracy: A Global Crisis with Lasting Impacts
Illiteracy isn’t just about reading—it’s a barrier to better health, education, and opportunity. Around the globe, millions are held back by a lack of access to this essential skill.
Illiteracy continues to be a significant global public health issue, with persistent gender and racial disparities. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, approximately 754 million adults worldwide are illiterate, with two-thirds being women.
In the United States, the literacy crisis is equally profound. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 43 million adults have low literacy skills, many of whom struggle to comprehend or utilize written information. Among children, the situation is just as alarming—studies show that a significant percentage of children fail to achieve reading proficiency, with pronounced disparities across racial and ethnic groups.
The Critical Connection Between Literacy, Health Equity, and Access to Care
“Literacy is one of the clearest indicators of the relationship between socio-economic inequalities and health disparities. Low literacy skills directly impact how individuals access health services, manage chronic diseases, and engage with health education. Health information is already complex, and even people with strong literacy skills often struggle with interpreting medical terms, understanding statistics, and following detailed self-care instructions.
Now imagine facing these same challenges with low literacy or being unable to read at all. Expecting someone to navigate these hurdles without adequate support is not just unreasonable—it’s unjust.
We also can’t ignore the long-term impact of literacy, especially when it comes to children. If a child isn’t reading by the 4th grade, they’re far more likely to drop out of school. Yet, where are the interventions targeting children to break this cycle? The current approach to education maintains an unequal status quo that perpetuates illiteracy, low health literacy, and health disparities—especially for the most disadvantaged communities.
This isn’t something we can accept or ignore. We need to disrupt this cycle, starting with our children. By addressing literacy early, we can lay the groundwork for healthier lives and more equitable communities.”
-Dr. Katharine Hawkes, Founder and CEO
How the IHF Literacy Project Advances Literacy and Health Equity Worldwide
In 2016, our Founder began researching the challenges of English as a Second Language (ESL) literacy instruction and evidence-based methods for improving literacy among native English speakers. This research led to the development of a culturally sensitive, evidence-based literacy curriculum designed for PreK-12 learners, with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility across all educational settings. 
The curriculum emphasizes phonics-based instruction and offers a multifaceted approach adaptable for both small group learning and one-on-one individualized sessions. In 2017, the curriculum was launched as a pilot literacy program. By leveraging technology, the program reached students worldwide, improving literacy outcomes for learners in 13 countries within its first year.
Building on this success, the program was later expanded to include health literacy components, forming the foundation of the IHF Literacy Project. Today, the IHF Literacy Project is a global initiative providing a systematic, culturally responsive literacy curriculum for PreK-12 learners. We offer both preventative and intervention literacy services at small and large scales, reaching learners in diverse educational settings, including public schools, charter schools, private schools, and non-traditional learning environments.
Support the IHF Literacy Project and Make a Difference
At Isabella Health Foundation, we believe literacy is the key to addressing health disparities and promoting equity. Through the IHF Literacy Project, we are transforming lives by equipping students with the tools they need to succeed.
Together, we can ensure that every child and adult has the tools they need to succeed. Join us in creating a world where literacy unlocks health, equity, and opportunity for all. Contact us today to support or partner with the IHF Literacy Project.
