I found the article published in this journal worthy of reflection when the authors presented how they managed the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in a Malaysian community. Their health clinic system dwelled on innovative ways of providing medical services, such as telemedicine, drive-through pharmacies, and continuous health education and awareness regarding COVID-19, to patients and clinic attendees [1]. I affirm their excellent practices despite their limited resources. I want to highlight the importance of promoting health literacy (HL), not only during the current pandemic but for future health crises.

Similar to other popular predictions, some Korean infectious disease experts believe that the COVID-19 pandemic may not be easily controlled and that a global outbreak may occur in the future. Accordingly, a high level of preparation is needed in various aspects, such as procuring personal protective equipment and equipping hospitals with sufficient facilities [2]. However, interventions must be comprehensive and focus on both prevention and treatment, such as the availability of drugs and vaccines, and the proper behavior of every citizen worldwide.

HL involves the direct and extensive knowledge acquired by an individual on matters related to health-promoting behaviors, making positive health choices, and engendering healthy living [3]. Many countries worldwide have still not achieved herd immunity, not because of viral variants but due to neglecting minimum health protocols. Despite the government’s efforts to implement lockdowns and other restrictions, some violators still preferred to exercise personal freedom at the expense of ignoring their social responsibility for public health. An example is the recently concluded Philippine national election, where thousands of Filipinos joined huge mass gatherings without practicing social distancing, some of whom intentionally did not wear facemasks. This shows that HL is low and poor among many as evidenced by their failure to make sound decisions to protect the health of themselves and others.

If a person has an adequate or high HL level, any activity that endangers one’s health or that of others is automatically avoided. No political activity or mass gatherings should be allowed if safety measures are not observed or prioritized. Exploring various ways to improve and promote HL is essential to protecting public health. First, the government and private sectors must invest in the welfare of healthcare professionals, who are at the forefront of battling the virus with their services, are a direct source of health information, and should be equipped to holistically address any health problems. Various training and capacity-building formation programs must be continuously offered. In these challenging times, healthcare workers require adequate support to increase their productivity and remain motivated [4]. There are nine factors associated with the work performance and mental health of healthcare professionals: depression, anxiety, inadequate support, occupational stress, decreased productivity, lack of workplace preparedness, financial concerns associated with changes in income and daily living, fear of transmission, and burnout/fatigue [5]. These factors can be addressed if these integral programs are available, coupled with sufficient compensation and recognition by the involved institutions.

Second, the government and private sectors must collaborate on more health infrastructure projects, such as building clinics/hospitals and upgrading their facilities, especially in rural areas where a low HL is more evident. Ordinary locals or tribal groups in rural settings will remain illiterate if no health or medical services are available to them.

Third, the optimum use of social media by the involved institutions is necessary for health campaigns and information dissemination. An educational intervention administered by applying HL strategies online through social networking services can effectively improve student quality of life [6]. However, the government must strictly monitor fraudulent data or fake news on the internet. And finally, advocating for a more robust research culture among information professionals and students, we can generate locally made insights to influence HL policy, education, and research [7].

HL as a priority is fundamental to public health success. Any medical treatment for various diseases will be delayed or even impossible if the individual exhibits poor HL. In contrast, an adequate or high HL level can minimize a disease’s negative impact and help accelerate recovery.