Mohammad Nasir Akhter, distinguished doctor
Dr. Mohammad Nasir Akhter passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in his home in Silver Spring, Md., at the age of 80 due to lung cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dr. Jeanette Akhter; and their daughter, Sarah Akhter and son-in-law Esteban de Dobrzynski of Takoma Park, Md.
Dr. Akhter was born in pre-partition India and was raised in a small village outside Lahore, Pakistan. He became one of the leading public health officials of his time. Among other posts, he served as director of health for Washington, D.C., chairman of the DC Health Benefits Authority executive board, executive director of the American Public Health Association, executive director of the National Medical Association, senior associate dean for Public and International Health at Howard University College of Medicine, health director for the State of Missouri, and dean of the College of Community Medicine in Lahore, Pakistan. With great skill and compassion, he dedicated his life to improving the health of us all. During his Delaware retirement, Dr. Akhter continued active public service, including as a fierce advocate for clean water, clean air, good government, justice, equity, and environmental preservation.
A memorial gathering will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, at Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Florida Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
