[Re: https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/who-health-literacy ]
HEALTH LITERACY AS A PREDICTOR OF HEALTH AND WELLBEING AMONG RURAL DWELLERS AND RESOURCE-CONSTRAINED COMMUNITIES IN WEST CENTRAL AFRICA
Dear Neil,
In reference to the new fact sheet issued by WHO on 22 December, I dare to submit that health literacy is a critical determinant of health and wellbeing, especially in rural and resource-constrained communities across West Central Africa. It encompasses the knowledge, motivation, and competencies needed to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information and services. In settings where health systems are stretched, educational opportunities are limited, and socioeconomic challenges prevail, health literacy becomes not just an individual asset but a community imperative for enhancing health outcomes and promoting resilience.
In rural West Central Africa, many individuals are confronted with barriers that hinder their ability to make informed health decisions — from limited access to accurate health information and low formal education levels to cultural norms that influence health beliefs and practices. These obstacles can lead to delayed care-seeking, poor self-management of chronic conditions, and suboptimal use of preventive services such as immunization, sanitation practices, and maternal health care. Evidence increasingly shows that communities with stronger health literacy demonstrate higher engagement in preventive health behaviours, more effective management of infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and improved navigation of health services. In contrast, low health literacy correlates with poor health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life.
For resource-constrained communities, health literacy plays a transformative role. It empowers individuals and households to interpret health messages, adopt healthy behaviours, and advocate for better services. Furthermore, it strengthens community resilience in the face of outbreaks, environmental stressors, and systemic health inequities. Additionally, health literacy enhances the capacity of local stakeholders — including community leaders, health volunteers, and grassroots organizations — to design and implement culturally relevant interventions, fostering trust and sustainable impact.
To unlock the full potential of health literacy, strategic investments are needed in education, community engagement, and health communication. This includes leveraging local languages, media platforms, and participatory approaches that resonate with community realities. It is in this regard that AHOA is organizing 52 ‘Life & Health’ Dialogue Series during 2026. By prioritizing health literacy in West Central Africa, we can advance equity, improve wellbeing, and build healthier, more informed communities across the subregion.
Register for once, and participate in Afrihealth Optonet Association’s 52 'Life & Health' Dialogue Sessions in 2026:
I. Follow ‘LIFE & HEALTH’ Page on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/share/18na4VuTBG/> now to secure your spot;
II. Join the ‘Life and Health’ Dialogue Series notice/information Board on WhatsApp <https://chat.whatsapp.com/LPhpl4k80HyFYsCvIxn0Wz>
III. Weekly Topics: AHOA's Life & Health Dialogue Series 2026 – Master Calendar (52 Weeks) <https://afrihealthcsos.org/2025/12/22/life-health-dialogue-series-2026-m...
IV. Register in advance for this yearlong Dialogue: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cdcxy9-vTpm3UfvNHS1a3A
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje
Global Health and Development Projects Consultant | Conferences Organizer | Trainer| Facilitator | Researcher | M&E Expert | Civil Society Leader | Policy Advocate
CEO and Perm. Rep. to the United Nations Systems,
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) - CSOs Global Network and Think-tank for Health, Climate Actions and Sustainable Development (Winner of the SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing Champion Award)
<https://afrihealthcsos.blogspot.com/2024/03/about-afrihealth-optonet-ass...
+2348034725905 / ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3100-6336 /
afrepton@gmail.com / ceo@afrihealthcsos.org / X: twitter.com/druzoadirieje
https://www.afrihealthcsos.org, https://druzodinmadirieje.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: https://ng.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Dr.+Uzodinma/Adirieje
HIFA Profile: Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a leading voice in health education, community health, and advocacy, with decades of experience advancing people-centered development across Africa and beyond. His approach to health education emphasizes participatory learning, knowledge transfer, and behavior change communication, ensuring that individuals and communities gain the skills and awareness to make informed decisions about their health. He develops and delivers innovative health promotion strategies tailored to local realities, particularly in resource-limited settings. In community health, Dr. Adirieje has championed integrated primary health care, preventive medicine, and grassroots health initiatives. Through Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), which he leads, he connects civil society, community groups, and health institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery, tackle health inequities, and improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations. His work addresses infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate and health, environmental health, and emerging public health challenges. As a passionate advocate, Dr. Adirieje works with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to influence health policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable development goals (SDGs). He amplifies community voices, ensuring that health systems are inclusive, accountable, and responsive. His advocacy extends beyond health to governance, environment, and social justice, positioning him as a multidisciplinary leader shaping healthier and more equitable societies. afrepton AT gmail.com