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22/05/2006
WHO head dies
Lee Jong-wook, Director-General of the United Nations World Health Organisation, has died after a short illness, aged 61.
Dr Lee, who became Director-General of the 192-member WHO in July 2003, had been in hospital in Geneva since Saturday afternoon, where he underwent surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain.
He remained in intensive care and was declared dead at 07:43am this morning.
The Republic of Korea expert had a 23-year career at WHO, overseeing a number of programmes, including the charge to eradicate polio from the Western Pacific and the launch of a cutting edge Global Drug Facility to ensure access to tuberculosis medicines.
During his time as Director-General, Dr Lee led global efforts to tackle avian influenza. He also said that the fight against HIV/AIDS had been a hallmark of his tenure.
Paying tribute to Dr Lee, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said: "The world has lost a great man today. Lee Jong-wook was a man of conviction and passion. He was a strong voice for the right of every man, woman and child to health prevention and care, and advocated on behalf of the very poorest people. He tackled the most difficult problems head on, while upholding the highest principles. He will be very gravely missed, but history will mark Lee Jong-wook's many contributions to public health."
Dr Anders Nordstrom, currently Assistant Director-General for General Management, will now serve as Acting Director-General.
(KMcA/CD)
Dr Lee, who became Director-General of the 192-member WHO in July 2003, had been in hospital in Geneva since Saturday afternoon, where he underwent surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain.
He remained in intensive care and was declared dead at 07:43am this morning.
The Republic of Korea expert had a 23-year career at WHO, overseeing a number of programmes, including the charge to eradicate polio from the Western Pacific and the launch of a cutting edge Global Drug Facility to ensure access to tuberculosis medicines.
During his time as Director-General, Dr Lee led global efforts to tackle avian influenza. He also said that the fight against HIV/AIDS had been a hallmark of his tenure.
Paying tribute to Dr Lee, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said: "The world has lost a great man today. Lee Jong-wook was a man of conviction and passion. He was a strong voice for the right of every man, woman and child to health prevention and care, and advocated on behalf of the very poorest people. He tackled the most difficult problems head on, while upholding the highest principles. He will be very gravely missed, but history will mark Lee Jong-wook's many contributions to public health."
Dr Anders Nordstrom, currently Assistant Director-General for General Management, will now serve as Acting Director-General.
(KMcA/CD)
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