Condolence Message From the Minister for Health on the Demise of Dr Lee Jong-Wook, Director-General, WHO

22 May 2006

Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, extends his condolences on the passing of Director-General Dr Lee Jong-wook of WHO.

"I am saddened and shocked by the unexpected news of the death of Dr Lee Jong-wook ,someone whom we all respected. We met last year in New Caledonia. He did not show any sign of ill health. He was his usual energetic self, having just flown in from New York, though he was tired with jet lag. I would like to convey my deepest condolences to his family.

His demise is a great loss to WHO. As Director-General, he has been tireless in helping the HIV patients in the poor countries, while trying to get the world prepared against a possible flu pandemic.

We have developed a close working relationship and I will miss him."