A Strategic Approach to Public Health Workforce Development and Capacity Building

This article describes how CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention created a strategic, organization-wide approach to workforce development and capacity building. The strategy focused on three goals: recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, strengthening staff skills at all levels, and promoting recognition and work–life balance. Programs included structured onboarding, leadership development, mentoring, coaching, technical training, and wellness initiatives. Regular evaluation and employee feedback guided improvements. For preparedness practitioners, the key lesson is that workforce development must be a visible leadership priority, supported by dedicated resources, continuous evaluation, and practical programs that build skills and morale.