PHA-Exchange> Statement regarding the Director-General of the WorldHealth Organization

[Claudio]

Statement regarding the Director-General of the World Health Organization
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WHO Press Statement
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2006/en/index.html

22 May 2006
Statement regarding Dr LEE Jong-wook
Director-General, World Health Organization

Dr LEE Jong-wook, Director-General of the World Health Organization,
has died.

He had been in hospital since Saturday afternoon, where he underwent
surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain (a subdural hematoma). He
remained in intensive care. At 0743 this morning, he was declared dead.

All of the staff of the World Health Organization extend their most
sincere condolences to Dr Lee's family.

The sudden loss of our leader, colleague and friend, is devastating.

Dr Lee led WHO to continue its mission to help people attain the
highest possible level of health.

He was 61 years old. He is survived by his wife and son, two brothers
and a sister and their families.

Condolences can be sent to DrLee-tribute at who.int

Background

Dr Lee, a national of the Republic of Korea, had been Director-General
of the World Health Organization since 21 July, 2003. He had worked for
WHO for 23 years, at country and regional levels, and at WHO
Headquarters in Geneva.

Dr Anders Nordström becomes Acting Director-General of the World Health
Organization

Following the sudden death of Dr LEE Jong-wook, Director-General of the
World Health Organization, Dr Anders Nordström - currently Assistant
Director-General for General Management - will serve as Acting
Director-General.

Dr Nordström was appointed by the Director-General as his deputy in
November 2003. However, the appointment stated that Dr Nordström would
not perform the functions of Deputy Director-General unless Dr Lee were
unable to perform the functions of his office.

Under the Rules of Procedure of the World Health Assembly, and in
accordance with the decision of the Director-General, Dr Nordström, as
senior officer of the Secretariat, will serve as Acting Director-
General.

For more information contact:

Christine McNab
Communications Officer
Director-General's office
Telephone: +41 79 254 6815
mailto:mcnabc at who.int

Iain Simpson
Communications Officer
Director-General's office
Telephone: +41 79 475 5534
mailto:simpsoni at who.int