Dr. Lee Jong-wook, Director-General of the WHO has Died

May 22, 2006 - Dr. Lee Jong-wook, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), died on May 22, 2006, in Geneva, Switzerland, after emergency surgery for a blood clot on his brain.   The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is in Geneva to attend the World Health Assembly and issued this statement:

"The World Health Organization and the global health community have suffered a tragic loss in the passing of WHO Director-General Dr. Lee Jong-Wook."

"Dr. Lee devoted his life to public service and to improving the human condition.   His visionary leadership embodied the spirit of global cooperation and strengthened the WHO and its role in the global health community."

"Dr. Lee was an outstanding leader of the WHO and was a good friend to the United States and to me personally.   His passing is a tremendous loss for all of us, and I extend my sincere condolences to his family and to the staff of the World Health Organization."

For more information:

• Statement by Mike Leavitt Secretary of Health and Human Services Regarding the Death of World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Lee Jong-Wook

Last revised: October 25, 2007