Making health work for everyone

Health literacy month 2026

During October 2026, we are looking at health literacy through a digital lens. We will explore how health services can help everyone access, understand and use digital health information and services.

The 2025 Australian Digital Inclusion Index found that about 2 out of 10 people in Australia are digitally excluded. That rises to about 7 out of 10 people aged 75 and over, and about 4 out of 10 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Digital inclusion is more than having access to the internet. It also means being able to afford to connect and having the skills and confidence to use digital services.

Each week of the campaign focuses on one of the four aims of the National Health Literacy Framework:

• Week 1: Make systems easier to navigate.
• Week 2: Provide information people can trust and use.
• Week 3: Build skills and confidence.
• Week 4: Design services that work for everyone.

Every week we will share what the aim means in practice, one thing to look at in your own service, and an action card your team can use.

What does each week cover?

Week 1. Make systems easier to navigate. 1 to 9 October.

• Aim 1 of the Framework is that systems and policies enable a strong and responsive health literacy environment.
• The digital question this week is whether our systems create or remove digital barriers. These may include online bookings, SMS reminders and patient portals.

Week 2. Provide information people can trust and use. 12 to 16 October.

• Aim 2 of the Framework is that health information and services are trustworthy, culturally safe, accessible and easy to understand.
• The digital question this week is whether people can find, understand and trust digital information.

Week 3. Build skills and confidence. 19 to 23 October.

• Aim 3 of the Framework is that the workforce and communities are supported to build health literacy skills and capacities.
• The digital question this week is about digital, artificial intelligence and critical health literacy.

Week 4. Design services that work for everyone. 26 to 30 October.

• Aim 4 of the Framework is that health literacy needs are addressed equitably, with a focus on priority populations.
• The digital question this week about who may be left behind as more health services move online.

We would love to hear what you find each week this month

If you take part in our weekly activities - share what you found using our form below!