In this editorial, Professor Don Nutbeam argues that health literacy isn't 'failing' people. Rather, government inaction, poor quality health communication and complexity in our health services and information environments make it very difficult for the majority of people to find, understand, appraise and use the health information they need to protect their health.

The editorial urges clearer recognition of health literacy as a personal and societal asset that needs to be improved, matched by strategies, funding and practical actions designed both to work directly with people to develop their health literacy skills and to reduce the demands and complexities of different information environments.