On 15 January 2025 the Joint Action PreventNCD hosted its first internal webinar of 2025, focusing on health literacy—a key component in reducing health inequities and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Moderated by Peder Ringnes Berrefjord, task lead for the health literacy task in the JA PreventNCD, the session provided insights into two key areas of focus:
1. Organizational health literacy
2. Mental health literacy
The webinar began with an overview and introduction to the concept of health literacy. Health literacy was defined as the knowledge, motivation, and skills needed to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information to make informed decisions. The session emphasized that health literacy is not just an individual responsibility - but rather requires organizations and policymakers to create environments where health information is accessible, understandable, and actionable.
Thematic Presentations: Organizational and Mental Health Literacy
The session featured two thematic presentations showcasing work within the health literacy task:
· Christa Straßmayr from the Austrian National Public Health Institute presented on organizational health literacy, highlighting how healthcare organizations can adapt their structures and processes to better meet the health literacy needs of their populations. Results from expert interviews on enhancing organizational health literacy in health care organizations were presented.
· Johanna Cresswell-Smith from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) presented on mental health literacy, focusing on how improving awareness and understanding of mental health can reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking behavior, and promote mental well-being. A comprehensive approach in under development including a new measurement scale.
Key Takeaways
The webinar underscored the transformative potential of health literacy to drive meaningful change across Europe. By building capacity at both individual and organizational levels, health literacy can bridge gaps in access to care and support the creation of more equitable health systems.
For those who missed the event or wish to view the webinar again, the recording is accessible via the following link: Health Literacy