چکیده (انگلیسی):

In this 21st century of technological advancement, it is very clear that the challenges before the public health sector and most importantly the leadership are enormous, spanning from bio-terrorism, the super bugs, drug resistance, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, increase in preventable metabolic and nutritional disorders, widening gap between the rich and the poor, and drug companies sponsoring researches for their economic gains. To effectively address these challenges, require public health leaders that have clear understanding and applicability of the various leadership theories. Considering the fact that there is no single theory that is effective within the public health leadership circle, there is need for future public health leaders to look for alternative theories or a combination of theories that would ensure effectiveness in the discharge of their responsibilities to create a nest for success within the public health sector. As public health professionals, we are aware that public health leadership aims to protect the health of the public, promote population health, prevent diseases, assess effectiveness of the health systems, evaluate the impact of interventions, and reduce health inequity and inequality. However, achieving this is only possible when there is in place the right leader at the right time. Thus, public health leaders would require certain traits and skills that enables them build infrastructure that prevent diseases, serve the people, ensure population based approach on public health issues, and create community-wide health strategies to bring the required positive social change. However, this is not possible except when there is the right leadership at the helm of affairs who was able to master the various leadership theories and their applicability.