Strengthening the Public Health System in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands

CDC announces supplemental funding for the eligible applicant initially funded under the Notice of Funding Opportunity announcement (NOFO) CDC-RFA-OT16-1601: Strengthening the Public Health System in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) on July 1, 2016. This supplemental NOFO permits the eligible applicant to apply for three new projects that will provide capacity-building assistance (CBA) through the following activities to: 1) improve the capacity of the USAPI's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection programs to implement and evaluate primary Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing for cervical cancer screening in select jurisdictions; 2) ensure that consistent quality laboratory standards and practices are key priorities for the USAPI through performing a gap analysis and developing a plan for sustainability that strengthens the infrastructure, systems, and workforce; and 3) build public health capacity in the USAPI through placing high school students in positions in local health departments for two years and providing training and mentorship to grow their public health skills. This supplemental funding will provide additional opportunities to strengthen the USAPI public health system related to workforce development and capacity, and laboratory quality and sustainability. The program strategies include workforce development to enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies; organizational development to improve management structures, processes and procedures within and between organizations and public and private sectors; and partnership development to build relationships to address community needs, manage resources, and communicate with the public. The eligible applicant is expected to select at least three of the six program outcomes that align with the three new projects and demonstrate measurable progress during the budget year. Program outcomes include improvements in: 1) public health leadership,;2) public health systems and infrastructure; 3) public health workforce; 4) public health laws and policies; 5) public health practices and services; and 6) public health monitoring and surveillance systems. These strategic investments in capacity building for the USAPI are expected to generate advances in the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of public health services and related outcomes, thus ultimately improving population health.