Health literacy has become a global health policy issue. This chapter describes the health literacy concept and shows why it is relevant to health policy and practice. It proposes a conceptual approach to build the bridges between the health literacy concept, evidence‐informed health communication and participation, and supportive and enabling strategies. The chapter presents four separate but related health literacy developments. First, we summarise the evidence accumulating on effective interventions. Second, we examine the development of a research tool to measure an effective health consumer. Third, health literacy issues in China are discussed. Lastly, the chapter draws on submissions to an Australian health reform process to identify how different players want health literacy recognised and improved.