The WHO Regional Office for Eastern Mediterranean conducted a situation analysis to assess the health education capacity, programmes and activities in Member States of the Region. The findings of the assessment showed a number of persisting challenges. These include access to and knowledge of up-to-date tools that can help educators engage in effective health education practice, and confusion about how health education can meaningfully contribute to the goals of health promotion. This publication is intended to fill the gaps in knowledge and understanding of health education and promotion and provide Member States with knowledge of the wide range of tools available. As a health education foundation document, it provides a review of the various health education theories, identifies the components of evidence-based health education, outlines the competencies necessary to engage in effective practice, and seeks to provide a common understanding of health education disciplines and related concepts. It also offers a framework that clarifies the relationship between health literacy, health promotion, determinants of health and healthy public policy and health outcomes. This can be useful in understanding better the assets and gaps in the application of health promotion and education. It is targeted at health promotion and education professionals and professionals in related disciplines.