ABSTRACT
Leadership and governance are key components of the health system building blocks, with cross-cutting effects to improve the performance of the healthcare system and achieve Universal Health Coverage. Leadership and governance in healthcare are the most influential factors in shaping organizational culture and ensuring direction, alignment and commitment within teams and organizations. While leadership sets a direction and makes sure that something happens, governance is the accountability for leadership actions.
This chapter introduces the concepts of leadership and governance in healthcare systems in Tanzania. The chapter specifically highlights the importance of good governance dimensions that include participation, accountability, health equity, transparency and efficiency and effectiveness, which are discussed throughout the handbook. The chapter further clarifies the purpose and targeted audience of the handbook, as well as the methodological aspects of handbook development.
