National Public Health Institutes Organizational Strengthening Module Framework: Applying Organizational Development Principles

Background: National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) are government agencies that provide science‑based leadership and coordination for public health functions. They are often formed by merging existing public health entities and functions found across and beyond the health sector, seeking to reduce fragmentation and enhance national preparedness and response. Their effectiveness depends on scientific rigor and sustainable capacity that can endure fluctuations in funding and priorities.

Objective: To present the NPHI Organizational Strengthening Module (OSM) framework—a practical, adaptable set of tools designed to strengthen organizational design and performance management of NPHI’s to institutionalize core public health functions and improve resilience and responsiveness to emerging health threats.

Methods: The OSM framework originates from the field of organizational development (OD) and builds on approaches validated in business and public sectors. The framework is tailored to meet the specific OD needs of NPHIs and was developed through reviewing and adapting tools, combined with piloting of each module.

Findings: The OSM framework includes a foundational public health function mapping activity and has six independent modules: strategy, partnerships, communication, workforce, finance, and governance—supported by a cross‑cutting change management workstream. Each OSM consists of 3–4 concrete steps, beginning with a domain‑specific assessment, followed by guided actions and best practices. OSMs are delivered through 3–6‑month sprints, typically culminating in a 2–5‑year strategy. Designed to engage senior leadership, the tools can be implemented virtually or in‑person by internal staff or external facilitators.

Conclusions: The OSM framework provides a systematic, evidence‑informed approach to organizational strengthening for NPHIs. By focusing on strengthening the strategic and operational capacity of the organization, this approach supports NPHIs in becoming more effective and resilient stewards of national public health, capable of anticipating and responding to emerging health threats.