INVESTING in inclusive everyday health could unlock billions in healthcare savings, boost GDP, and prevent premature deaths, according to new research undertaken by Economist Impact and supported by healthcare company Haleon.
The Health Inclusivity Index demonstrated the enormous impact that low health literacy has on both the Australian health system and individuals, and calculated that over $7 billion could be gained annually by reducing the prevalence of low health literacy by 25%.
People with low health literacy often struggle to understand medical information, navigate healthcare systems and make informed decisions.
This can lead to difficulties like reading medication labels, completing medical forms, or measuring correct dosages.
As a result, they may spend nearly three times more on healthcare annually than those with higher health literacy.
Barriers are most common among people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and those who have language or learning disabilities.
Improving health literacy - both individually and systemically - is essential to addressing broader social determinants of health and promoting inclusivity across Australia.
Haleon ANZ is collaborating with the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) to strengthen personal literacy on a grassroots level, with literacy programs aimed at improving educational outcomes for children in marginalised communities.
"We're proud to support this research by Economist Impact, which highlights how low health literacy affects not only individuals, but also the Australian health system," said Anish Patel, Haleon ANZ's General Manager.
"At Haleon ANZ, we're passionate about putting health in more hands and empowering people to better manage their own health.
"Improving health literacy is a vital step towards achieving this by enhancing inclusivity across the healthcare system.
"When individuals have the right knowledge and skills required to look after their everyday health with confidence, we are one step closer to a stronger, healthier community," Patel concluded.
The full report is available HERE. KB
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