Bosnia and Herzegovina Minister of Human Rights and Refugees, Sevlid Hurtić highlighted the importance of health literacy for improving public health, protecting human rights, strengthening social inclusion and promoting democratic values.
Health literacy is a crucial factor in enabling individuals to access, understand and use health information to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. It also contributes to improving access to care, reducing inequalities and achieving better health outcomes.
Health literacy plays a key role in the effective realisation of the right to health protection, by strengthening individuals’ ability to exercise their rights and engage with health systems.
Advancing health literacy requires a shared responsibility, involving public institutions, healthcare professionals and society as a whole, in order to create supportive, accessible and inclusive environments.
By joining the Coalition, Bosnia and Herzegovina contributes to a growing pan-European effort to promote accessible, inclusive and people-centred health systems.
Ministers from the 46 member States of the Council of Europe will gather in Rome in early December 2026 to drive further progress on health literacy and human rights.
