‘Literacy is the best remedy’. This was the theme in 2008 of International Literacy Day, which is celebrated every year on 8 September.
A round table on literacy and health at UNESCO’s HQ in Paris explored the complexity of the links between literacy and epidemics. It examined the main challenges, trends and achievements with a view to developing policy, with a focus on HIV and AIDS.
The winners of the 2008 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes offer inspiring examples of how literacy impacts powerfully on the promotion of healthy societies. Those focusing on HIV and AIDS included: