What term describes the capacity to carry out the core functions of public health?

• A. Capability
• B. Resources
• C. Capacity
• D. Competence

Answer: (C)

The key idea is the system’s ability to perform and sustain the essential public health functions. This is described by capacity, which encompasses the mix of workforce, leadership, infrastructure, data systems, partnerships, and resources that enable the core public health functions to be carried out reliably over time.

Capability speaks more to potential or the ability of individuals or groups to do tasks, not the overall, sustained ability of a system. Competence refers to the skill or proficiency of individuals. Resources are inputs like money and equipment, but they don’t by themselves convey the system’s actual capacity to deliver functions. So capacity best captures the overall ability to carry out those core public health functions.