Table 1.

NPHI Functions and Attributes, as defined in the Framework for Development of National Public Health Institutes in Africa by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Framework for the Creation and Development of National Public Health Institutes by the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI).^9,10 Both frameworks highlight similar functions and attributes; however, the language used in Table 1 more closely reflects the Africa CDC Framework, except where noted.

Functions are “external-facing,” focused on impact on entities outside of an NPHI	Attributes are “internal-facing,” such as management and operations
Africa CDC and IANPHI	Africa CDC and IANPHI
• Population health and health-related indicators	• Science-based
• Public health laboratory and surveillance systems, and emergency preparedness and response (Note: IANPHI separates Reduction of the impact of emergencies and disasters on health)	• National scope
• Disease prevention and health promotion	• Transparent and accountable
• Advocacy, communication and social mobilization	• Strong and continuously improving NPHI workforce
• Policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts	• Adequate infrastructure to perform core functions efficiently
• Health protection and support for regulation and enforcement	• Clearly defined legal authority for its work
• Evaluation and promotion of equitable access to services	• Linkages at international, national, and subnational levels
• Public health workforce development	• Plans for sustainability
• Evaluation, prevention, and control of public health issues in clinical settings	IANPHI also includes:
• Research in public health	• Focus on the major public health problems affecting the country
	• Limitations on political influence