PPHF 2017: Strengthening the Public Health System in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands - Financed in part by 2017 Prevention and Public Health Funds

health system through the provision of capacity-building assistance. This FOA provides funding for activities that increase capacity for public health leadership, workforce, public health systems and other components of the public health system. For the five year project period the applicant is expected to increase capacity in at least three of the six areas: 1) USAPI public health leadership knowledge and skills; 2) organizational infrastructures and processes; 3) public health workforce competencies; 4) development and implementation of public health laws and policies; 5) dissemination of evidence-based practices; and 6) establishment of monitoring and surveillance systems. In this FOA, capacity building is defined as the development and strengthening of human and organizational resources. Capacity building involves enhancing the ability to perform functions, solve problems, and achieve objectives at the individual, institutional and societal levels. Capacity building can be delivered through: a) workforce development by enhancing knowledge, skills, competencies, and creating resources for personnel; b) organizational development by enhancing management structures, processes and procedures within and between organizations and different sectors (public, private and community); and/or c) partnership development by building relationships to effectively address community needs, manage resources, and communicate with the public. Strategic investments in capacity building for the USAPI will address a broad range of public health challenges and needs that contribute significantly in the transformation of public health systems and related components. In general, capacity building assistance is expected to generate an increase in the quality, quantity, efficiency, and effectiveness of USAPI's public health services and related outcomes, thus ultimately improving population health.