09/03/2026
𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵: 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 — 𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆?
Capacity strengthening is a central focus in digital health. But what do we really mean by it?
Often, capacity is seen as learning how to use a tool — step-by-step training, data entry, reporting, software navigation. These skills matter. They help people perform tasks more efficiently.
But there's a limitation.
What happens when roles change, projects end, or external support fades? Does the use of technology continue?
This is where the idea of capability becomes critical.
Capacity is about using a system.
Capability is about owning and adapting it.
Real transformation happens when technology connects with intrinsic motivation — when people see value beyond compliance and use digital tools to solve problems meaningful to them personally and professionally.
A health worker once shared that learning technology helped not only with reporting duties, but also in teaching their children digital skills and managing daily life. That is capability — skills that empower beyond the job description.
In digital health, sustainable change comes not just from training people to follow steps, but from enabling them to grow, adapt, and lead.
The real question isn't: Are we training users?
It's: Are we building public health informaticians who can shape the future?
Know more about capacity strengthening in a special session by Prof. Sundeep Sahay, Professor – Digital Innovation at the University of Oslo and Founder & Mentor of HISP India, where he reflects on the difference between capacity and capability, drawing from real-world experiences in public health.
View Video here: https://bit.ly/4svOH3b
Also explore how structured, practice-oriented learning through the FPHI course supports this shift: https://hispindiacademy.org