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FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS |
| helping to build a world without hunger | |
Dr. Jong-wook LeeI announce with profound sadness the passing away of Dr. Jong-wook Lee, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), this morning after having undergone a surgery during the weekend. He was 61 years old. After many years of service with WHO, Dr. Lee was elected Director-General in May 2003 for a five-year term. He proved to be a world leader in the health sector - in humanity's battle against the challenges to international health and development. His work against tuberculosis and in vaccinating children against preventable diseases received particular attention. His initiatives and cooperation with FAO in the area of Avian Influenza also received international acclaim. Dr. Lee's work demonstrated his personal strategic focus on improving and fighting hunger to reduce poverty. He made a substantial contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to all colleagues in WHO, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations system organizations as well as to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea and, above all, to Dr. Lee's family. The FAO flag has been kept at half-mast today in memory of this brave and engaged international civil servant. Dr. Jacques Diouf |