About M-POHL

WHO Action Network on Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy (M-POHL) - Health literacy is increasingly on the political agenda of the member states of WHO Europe. The Action Network on Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy (M-POHL) was founded under the umbrella of WHO´s European Health Information Initiative (EHII) in February 2018 with the adoption of the Vienna Statement on the measurement of population and organizational health literacy in Europe in order to add value to national efforts in improving health literacy. According to M-POHL’s Concept Note, the main aim of the network is to generate data on population and organizational health literacy to support evidence-informed (policy) decisions and interventions. In the Governance and Work Structure of M-POHL roles, responsibilities and decision structures in the M-POHL Action Network are outlined in detail. For more details see the Factsheet M-POHL.
 

M-POHL in Times of Crisis

Peace being a fundamental prerequisite for health was acknowledged in the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion in 1986. M-POHL builds on this affirmation and considers its collective efforts on health literacy as work for promoting equity, justice, and peace. M-POHL is aware that during times of crises, health must remain a priority and the right to health and access to services must always be protected. M-POHL as a WHO Action Network, supports the mandate and commitment of the WHO to ensure the best possible health and well-being of all people in all situations, including humanitarian crises and conflicts. The work of M-POHL is founded on mutual understanding and respect, constructiveness, and a strong commitment to humanity and peace.

Logo M-POHL

Overview:

Background, vision & aims of M-POHL: why the network was created, what we aim to achieve, our umbrella definition of health literacy, and the key projects.

Background, Vision & Aims

How M-POHL is organized: co-chairs, Advisory Board and the International Coordination Centre (ICC), plus how member and observer countries work together in the General Assembly.

Structure & Members

M-POHL is open to all member states of WHO-Europe and enables associated membership for non-WHO European countries which are interested in joining at least one of the M-POHL projects. Observer status is also possible. In the Governance and Work Structure of M-POHL details on becoming a member, associated member and observer are outlined.

Why participate?

M-POHL contributes to the much-needed evidence on health literacy. M-POHL connects expertise from research and policy and fosters evidence-based policy and practice. It puts health literacy on the international and national agenda sustainably. Thus, participation in M-POHL provides a high-level international exchange on up-to-date health literacy developments, data, evidence, and lessons learned to improve research and national policies, as well as participating in framing the international health literacy agenda in close collaboration with WHO and other international bodies. 

Such agenda-setting for health literacy is needed more than ever since the orientation in the field of health is becoming increasingly challenging due to a number of dynamic trends, including health threats induced by the climate crisis, the chances and challenges of the digital transformation, pandemics like COVID-19, mental health challenges in the context of the current global multi-crisis, and the fast-growing medical and health knowledge and technologies.

Health literacy can help to mitigate the effects of these crises on health on different levels: health literacy guides and empowers individuals to increase their chances for health. Data on population health literacy and on health literate organizations, as well as evidence on effective interventions to improve health literacy, support decision makers in developing national policies on improving health literacy in populations and organizations, including healthcare systems. 

About M-POHL

 

WHO documents

To the overview of Health Literacy Surveys (HLS).