Health literacy as a cornerstone of public health

The fight against infectious diseases in Southeast Asia is increasingly tied to health literacy. Nine countries are focusing on improving public understanding of COVID-19 and other outbreaks by participating in a project of Global Health Press, funded by Pfizer Inc. However, health literacy can contribute to the fight against more infectious diseases in these countries. Malaysia: Combating mpox and COVID-19 through public engagement In Malaysia, improving health literacy has become critical in the fight against Mpox and COVID-19. Although vaccination programs are widely available, trust in the system is compromised by the spread of misinformation, especially online. The government faces the dual challenge of not only encouraging vaccine uptake but also countering vaccine hesitancy by better educating the public on how vaccines work and why preventive measures such as quarantine are necessary. Clear, culturally relevant health messages are critical to improving public acceptance and preventing future outbreaks. Pakistan: Overcoming vaccine hesitancy in the...