Daniel Noni Lantum

Abstract

Professor Daniel Noni Lantum, an African public health giant is no more. A native of Cameroon, Prof Lantum was born in 1934 in Kumbo, a city in the North West Region of Cameroon and died on 15 February 2021 at the age of 87 years. He is also well known for his invaluable contribution to the fight against iodine deficiency and associated disorders. His work with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and communities contributed enormously towards universal salt iodization, a key strategy to achieve elimination of iodine-deficiency related disorders for which he was awarded to Algepa Prize in 1996 in Paris and made him well-known in the nutrition and micro-nutrient circles. He is also known to have laid the groundwork for the creation of various faculties of medicine in Africa. Prof Lantum is also recognized for his passion for African cultural heritage. He worked tirelessly to promote African traditional medicine - that he practiced and taught unapologetically - as an important component of primary health care. Intellectual infatigable, Prof Lantum, wrote intensively in areas as diverse as education reforms, poetry, history, politics, African traditions, and religion.

Keywords

• obituary
• iodine-deficiency disorders
• cameroon
• africa
• public health