Health Literacy and Education- IHF Literacy Project
Illiteracy continues to be a major 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 also profound. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 43 million adults have low literacy skills, with many struggling to comprehend or utilize written information. Among children, the situation is equally concerning. Studies show that a significant percentage of children fail to achieve reading proficiency, with notable disparities across racial and ethnic groups.
The Link Between Literacy, Health and Equity
“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
The IHF Literacy Project – Advancing Literacy and Health Equity
Globally, literacy is a critical factor in reducing socio-economic inequalities and health disparities. Low literacy skills limit an individual’s ability to access health information, navigate health services, and manage chronic conditions, creating barriers that persist across generations. These challenges often begin in childhood, as early struggles with reading can lead to lifelong disadvantages in education, health, and opportunity.
Isabella Health Foundation utilizes an evidence-based, culturally responsive literacy curriculum designed for PreK-12 learners across diverse educational settings. This curriculum is adaptable for group and individualized learning, emphasizing foundational skills that build confidence and capacity.
Offered at no cost to the communities we serve, the IHF Literacy Project reflects our commitment to advancing literacy as a pathway to health equity, empowerment, and opportunity.
