Dr. Lee during the meeting of the Global Staff Management
Council Tributes to Dr Lee with Staff representatives
from Cairo, Geneva, New Delhi and Manila.
Directors General of WHO:
Dr. Bruntdland, Dr. Mahler, Dr. Nakajima, Dr Lee.
Since Dr Lee’s death was announced on Monday morning,
tributes have been paid by many of the people who knew him
or admired his work.
The UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, called Dr Lee a great man who «was at the forefront of the global fight to prevent an avian flu pandemic,
and was a champion as well in the battle against a host of other public
health threats from HIV/AIDS to tuberculosis … Not only was he a valuable
leader to WHO staff the world over, but a cherished colleague and friend to
me personally.»
President George W. Bush said, «Dr. Lee worked tirelessly to improve the
health of millions of people, from combating tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS to
his aggressive efforts to eradicate polio. He provided tremendous leadership
to the international community as it confronted the challenges of the
21st century, including the threat of an influenza pandemic. Dr. Lee’s
outreach to world leaders and entities increased awareness of potentially
devastating public health dangers.»
Mark Harrington, Executive Director of the non-governmental
organization the Treatment Action Group (TAG) said: «People living
with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) around the world should take a moment and
recognize the pivotal contributions to their lives made by Dr. LEE
Jong-wook. TAG expresses its solidarity with all those who are mourning
the loss of this transformative leader in the world’s struggle against
AIDS. Unusually among global leaders, Dr. Lee made transforming the
world’s response to HIV/AIDS one of his leading priorities. Under his
watch, and with his whole support, WHO … took a leading role in guiding
the response to the pandemic.
Nicolás Vidal, President of the Liga Peruana Antitabáquica, who met
Dr Lee during an official visit to Lima, Peru, wrote: «he was really friendly
person and told us to keep the antitobacco job up to help Peruvian
children. So we will keep fighting and we will do it much better! We want to
say: Thank you very much dear Dr. Lee. We will remember you!»
One man wrote from Kenya to say, «Dr Jong-wook was a man of exemplary
character committed to public service. I am one of the people who benefited from
WHO vaccination programmes in Rift Valley, Kenya. I take this opportunity to
send my condolences to the world for the loss of a dedicated servant. Dr Jong-wook
is an inspiration and role model to the youth of today.»
Dr Fouad Mojallid, WHO Representative in Syria, wrote: «We lost a great man
and a devoted fighter for the human health rights. May he rest in peace.»
Tributes can be sent to: DrLee-tribute@who.int
Dr Lee’s widow has requested that donations in memory of Dr Lee
should be given to the project where she works, Socios En Salud in
Lima, Peru.
Donations can be given via the sister organization of Socios En
Salud, Partners In Health:
www.pih.org
© 2006 UN Special |