October 10, 2023 – Moka Lantum, MPH ’13, is a physician, pharmacologist, tech entrepreneur, and CEO. Earlier this year, he added a new title: Shufaay.
In a tradition dating back to the mid-17th century, the title of Shufaay has been used to honor citizens who have made significant contributions to the Nso people of Cameroon. Lantum, who leads CheckUps Medical Hub, was recognized for his work to improve health care access through more efficient delivery of medicines to rural health clinics in Africa.
first ceremonial act as a leader in the clan.
The ceremony at the Royal Nso Palace in Yaoundé, Cameroon in May featured a procession led by Lantum’s warrior dance group—and a small herd of goats donated by his Harvard Chan School classmates in the master in health care management program. (They chose to donate 13 goats to represent the class of 2013.)
As Shufaay, Lantum says he will use the tools of social entrepreneurship to create opportunities for children displaced by an ongoing war in Cameroon. He’ll be following in the footsteps of his father, Daniel Lantum, a leading public health authority in Cameroon who helped conquer iodine deficiency, and who also carried the title of Shufaay.
“Leadership is not an individual undertaking —it is a path we walk together with our pack,” said Shufaay Dr. Lantum. “This pack challenges us, uplifts us, and helps us make our mark on the world. The gesture of 13 goats from my pack mates at Harvard Chan School speaks to our strong connection; the Nso people were most appreciative of the gesture of support.”
Photos: Ben Kongnyuy