HPA Director General Maimoona to retire after 35 years of service

Director General of the Health Protection Agency, Maimoona Abu Bakr, has decided to retire from public service.

The Ministry of Health said Maimoona made the decision after completing 35 years of service in the health sector.

Maimoona served as head of the Health Protection Agency during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the first case of COVID-19 was identified in the Maldives six years ago, the agency was responsible for coordinating the public health response. Measures introduced during this period included restrictions on movement, suspension of services and controls aimed at limiting the spread of the virus to islands outside the capital.

Some of these measures led to public opposition, including protests and criticism on social media. The Health Protection Agency continued to implement public health measures during this period.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed thanked Maimoona for her service in a post on X on Thursday. He said she had overseen public health matters for an extended period and referred to her role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maimoona was awarded the 2020 Woman of the Year title by Women in Management Maldives.