Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO)
22 May 2006
On behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of South Africa, I
would like to express our deepest condolences on the sudden death of the
Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Lee Jong-wook.
Dr Lee passed away this morning just before the commencement of the 59th
Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA), which started in Geneva,
Switzerland today.
The unfortunate incident of the death of a Director-General just before the
official opening of WHA has never happened in the 59-year history of this most
important international health forum. In his capacity as Director-General, Dr
Lee would have been at the centre of the WHA processes, facilitating the
discussions aimed at promoting good health and effective management of diseases
across the world.
He was a humble person who had the interest of health in Africa at heart. He
visited South Africa soon after his appointment as Director-General in 2003 to
consult on health issues on our continent.
Our condolences go to his family and staff of the World Health Organisation.
Our Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, who is leading the South
African delegation which is currently attending the WHA will further convey our
condolences to the WHA which has been shuttered by this terrible loss.
Enquiries:
Mukoni Ratshitanga
Tel: (012) 300 5436
Cell: 082 303 4470
Issued by: The Presidency
22 May 2006
