International Literacy Day
Description:
There is a close relationship between literacy and health. The ability to read and write is a powerful tool that allows women and men to develop the necessary abilities and sense of self-confidence, which in turn encourages them to take more care of their health. Children are more likely to grow up healthy and get an education when they are raised by literate mothers. Literacy is thus beneficial not only to the health of the individual but also to the family and society as a whole.
Empowerment for health and education can be pursued simultaneously. For example, paediatric practice has proven effective in explaining the importance of literacy and helping parents prepare their children for school. Literacy programmes with health interventions can play as important a role in creating and maintaining a healthier environment as health initiatives with a literacy component.
Today, an estimated 774 million adults are unable to read and write, of which two-thirds are women. More than 72 million children are out of school. These figures are a reminder of how much more needs to be done to ensure the realization of citizens’ rights to education and literacy.
Globally, the fight against illiteracy remains a major challenge. It should involve all — Governments, United Nations organizations, other international organizations, the private sector, civil society, local groups and individuals. Each of us can contribute. Together, this task can be solved.
