About
The International Health Literacy Association (IHLA) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit, member-based organization passionate about health literacy. We are dedicated to creating an international voice for health literacy and raising awareness world-wide. Together, our passion for health literacy can change the world.
Get to know IHLA
Representing a multi-dimensional international organization, the organizational structure of IHLA is designed to promote a de-centralized balance of power, foster accountability as well as high-level academic and professional practice standards, reinforce initiative and peer interaction, and enhance the standing of the health literacy field.
Executive Board
The IHLA Executive Board is elected by members. Committees and councils run and grow the organization and interest groups develop programming.
Councils & Committees
The 3 Councils within IHLA exist to give a voice to interest groups, member organizations, and early career professional members. Elected and Appointed Standing Committees are tasked with maintaining the highest standards for the organization and running and growing the organization.
Divisions & Interest Groups
Divisions and Interest Groups are independent organizational parts of IHLA on specific terms within the field of health literacy, and are the best way to get involved, share your expertise, and learn from others doing similar work. Divisions and Interest Groups determine the vast majority of IHLA programming.
Vision
Health literacy for all people and societies. To achieve this mission, IHLA values:
Respect
IHLA fosters an inclusive community built on mutual respect, valuing diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and professional backgrounds — and encouraging members to carry that respect into their work with the communities they serve.
Equity
IHLA is committed to equity by striving for diversity and inclusion across its membership and leadership in terms of race, ethnicity, nationality, and professional background — and by equipping members to advance equity in their own communities through inclusive health literacy practices.
Empowerment
IHLA empowers members with tools, resources, and leadership pathways that strengthen their contributions to health literacy — and equips them to empower others by making health information clearer, more accessible, and more equitable.
Partnership and collaboration
IHLA advances equity through partnership and collaboration, connecting members across cultures, disciplines, and regions — and enabling them to extend these collaborations into their own communities and professional networks.
Professional development
IHLA supports professional growth through training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities — preparing members to apply new skills in ways that elevate both their own careers and the health literacy capacity of those around them.
Evidence-based research and practice
IHLA upholds equity by promoting evidence-based research and practice, ensuring health literacy initiatives are guided by science — and equipping members to bring proven, inclusive approaches into their organizations and communities.
Mission
To unite people around the world working to promote health literacy by:
Strengthening international and interdisciplinary engagement
through outreach, shared learning, and policy development that expands health literacy’s reach and impact
Encouraging high academic and professional standards
for health literacy research, practice, education, and public service
Fostering research and inquiry
in health literacy, and facilitating publication and dissemination to professionals and the public