Capacity development can be defined as a process in which human resources, as well as the organizational and operational capabilities of institutions, are improved to better perform priority functions.
The overall purpose of capacity building in an expanded and comprehensive response (ECR) to HIV/AIDS is to ensure effective design, implementation, coordination, and management of widescale prevention, care, and support efforts.
Capacity development comprises some or all of these six components:
- Human capital: Developing the human skills capacity and effective use of managerial, professional and technical staff, and volunteers.
- Organizations and their management: How organizations, their culture and management styles influence the use, efficiency, and retention of skilled human resources.
- Public sector institutional context: How the policy and institutional environment affect civil service and government operations, and the spillover effect in the private and non-profit sectors.
- Networks and linkages: Including multi-sectoral alliances and networks in the public and private sectors to optimize resources and broaden the coverage of actions.
- Social capital and community participation: Social capital refers to the processes between people that establish networks, norms and social trust; community participation refers to complementarity of action and strengthening social accountability and advocacy systems.
- Contextual environment: The socioeconomic, cultural, and political settings that facilitate or constrain the functional capacity of individuals or organizations.
