Health Literacy and Policy: Evidence-Based Practice Examples From Developed Countries

Health literacy is a public health determinant that shapes individuals’ access to, understanding of, and use of health information while influencing the effectiveness, equity, and sustainability of health systems. This narrative review examines the position of health literacy within policy-making processes and derives implications for policy development. It draws on national and international scientific literature and policy documents, without a predefined publication-date restriction. Sources directly addressing health literacy policies, national strategies and action plans, governance, monitoring, and system-level interventions were included. First, the conceptual evolution of health literacy was examined, focusing on its transformation from an individual competency into a public policy priority addressed through system-level interventions. The role of evidence-based policy-making was then evaluated using findings from systematic reviews, population-based surveys, and international policy frameworks. Models for integrating health literacy into national strategies and action plans were comparatively assessed through examples from the United States, Germany, Scotland, and Australia. These examples demonstrate different approaches to governance, intersectoral collaboration, implementation, and monitoring. The current situation in Türkiye was evaluated through national health literacy surveys, action plans, and digital health initiatives. The findings indicate that sustainable improvement requires health literacy to be embedded in long-term, system-wide policies rather than addressed through isolated initiatives. Effective policies require clear governance mechanisms, measurable objectives, regular population-level monitoring, institutional responsibility, and coordinated action across relevant sectors. Türkiye has established an important policy foundation through national surveys, measurement tools, digital health applications, and the Health Literacy National Action Plan 2025–2028; however, stronger implementation, evaluation, and intersectoral coordination are needed. Accordingly, strengthening national monitoring systems, improving the accessibility and comprehensibility of health information, and enhancing the usability and accessibility of digital health platforms are recommended. A sustainable, multisectoral, and evidence-based approach can enhance health literacy and contribute to reducing health inequalities.