Practices of promoting health
literacy in China
Xinhua Li, MPH, MSc, DSc
Director, Division of Health
Promotion and Health Education
Ministry of Health, P. R. China
April 29, 2009
OUTLINES
1. POLICY DEVELOPMENT
2. HEALTH LITERACY
PROMOTION INITIATIVES
SCIENCE 2008
1. POLICY DEVELOPMENT
1.1 The official announcement of
the “Health Literacy for Chinese
Citizens—Basic knowledge and
skills”
More than 100 top experts from all fields of
medicine spent more than one year to identify the
contemporary contents of health literacy for Chinese
citizens from 253 items of basic knowledge and skills.
Basic knowledge and
concepts, 25 items
Health
Literacy
for
Chinese
Citizens
Healthy lifestyle and
behavior, 34 items
(trial)
Basic skills, 7 items
1.2 National Plan of Health Literacy Promotion
Initiatives for Chinese Citizens (2008-2010)
OBJECTIVES

1. To establish a health sector leading, multi-sector
cooperated and social participatory workingnetwork of “Health Literacy Promotion Initiatives”.

2. At least 80% of the professional in the working
network will be trained.

3. To establish a Chinese citizens’ health literacy
surveillance and evaluation system.

4. At least 60% of counties all over the country will
carry out communication activities of "Health
Literacy 66".
TASKS

1. Establish and improve the working
network.

2. Strengthen capacity building.

3. Conduct communication activities of
“Health Literacy 66”.

4. Carry out health literacy surveillance.

5. Develop demonstrative models.
MAIN MEASURES

1. Enhance cognition and strengthen
government leadership.

2. Increase input, guarantee funds.

3. Drive the “Health Literacy Promotion
Initiatives” based on programs .

4. Monitor and evaluate, honor
outstanding works.
2. HEALTH LITERACY PROMOTION
INITIATIVES SCIENCE 2008
2.1 Edited and issued “Health Literacy 66—Handbooks
of Health Literacy for Chinese Citizens”
2.2 Launched health literacy promotion
initiatives
2.3 Carried out health literacy
surveillance and promotion activities
79,542 persons were investigated for the baseline
survey in 2008
2.4 Trained trainers for health literacy
promotion
2.5 Held nationwide health literacy contests
Health literacy contests were held for both farmers
and urban residents. There were 9196 contests in
county/ township level, 207contests in prefecture/city
level, 46 contests in provincial level, and 5 national
contests.
2.6 Combined with other public health programs
2.7 Developed IEC materials
For more detailed information…
…are available for all participants.
T HANKS