Health Literacy for Rapid Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Health literacy is a relatively new term and concept, yet basic to the health, wellbeing and development of individuals and nations. Low health literacy rates affect both developed and developing nations. This paper examines the concept of health literacy and its importance to individual wellbeing and the development of nations. It reviews the state of health literacy in Nigeria, the impediments to high health literacy rates and implications for stakeholders including health librarians. Health information dissemination is the central force behind health literacy. Health librarians can therefore contribute to the reduction of the disease burden of the country and accelerate development by improving the health literacy status of health professionals and the general public.