Dr. Mohammad N. Akhter, is currently the Senior Associate Dean for Public and International Health at the Howard University College of Medicine. Dr. Akhter brings to the college an extensive background and diverse work related experience in public health. University president, H. Patrick Swygert, noting that Akhter’s views on public health issues are highly regarded, stated, “Dr. Akhter is an international leader and spokesman. His leadership will establish new initiatives in public and international health at Howard.”

Prior to accepting the position in the College of Medicine, Dr. Akhter served six years as executive director of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the world. Under his leadership, APHA expanded continuing education programs, and adopted global health as an integral part of its mission. In addition, Dr. Akhter was instrumental in expanding APHA’s scientific base and in strengthening its advocacy role to protect the health of the American people in the 21st Century.

Dr. Akhter’s other positions utilizing his expertise in public health included: from 1994 to 1997, senior advisor at the United States Department of Health and Human Services; from 1991 to 1994, Commissioner of Public Health for the Nation’s Capitol, Washington, D.C.; and from 1980 to 1984, director of the Missouri State Department of Health.