The importance of health literacy to the success of a child’s life has been recognised on the international stage, with our own HealthLit4Kids program making its mark with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The program which was co-founded by the College of Health and Medicine’s Dr Rosie Nash and Dr Shandell Elmer (now at Swinburne University), has been included in the WHO European planning for implementing life-long literacy initiatives and in a WHO Independent High-level Commission Report on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
It is also being considered by WHO as a demonstration project for the control and prevention of NCDs (such as stroke, heart disease and obesity).
Drs Nash and Elmer have also been invited as experts in health literacy in schools, to facilitate a Global Community of Practice in the WHO Knowledge Action Portal to aid the prevention and control of NCDs
“There is already strong interest worldwide to be a part of this community of practice,” Dr Nash said.
“By being expert facilitators, we will be able to see in real time what is happening internationally in health literacy in the schools.
“It provides us with the chance to share what we know as well as meet and network with leaders in the field.”
Dr Nash said international recognition of HealthLit4Kids had come faster than the team could have hoped.
The HealthLit4Kids program focuses on the importance of health literacy, or the ability to find and use information to promote and maintain good health and well-being, being learnt at a young age to set children on a healthy and successful life trajectory.
With Tasmania having some of the lowest average rates of health literacy in Australia, HealthLit4Kids has focused on ensuring children have access to health literacy in every part of their school learning- not just as a single unit or subject.
Established in collaboration with other researchers across the University, the Department of Health and the Department of Education, Swinburne University and Flinders University, HealthLit4Kids has been rolled out to five schools around Tasmania with generous funding from the Tasmanian Community Fund.
The team is keen to attract more support to continue the momentum and go further.
“Health literacy can shape a child’s ability to be healthy and to gain the most out of their education,” Dr Nash said.
“Our greatest aspiration for the future is to see HealthLit4Kids run in every school in Tasmania, with teachers, students and families all working towards a healthier community.”
