Strong leadership and management competencies are key elements for building health systems that are responsive to population needs. In low and middle-income countries (LMIC), where health systems are often characterised by scarce resources and high burdens of disease, these skills are particularly needed. However, current approaches to leadership and management development do not equip emerging leaders with the competencies (knowledge, behaviour, skills, attitudes and values) required for effective leadership and management.

This brief provides an overview of the evidence on health systems leadership and management in LMIC. It describes who health leaders and managers (L&M) are, the scope of their work and the ideal competencies required for effective leadership and management. It then outlines approaches to developing leadership and management skills and the strengths and limitations of these approaches.