TURKIYE HALK SAGLIĞI KURUMU
  PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION-TURKEY
                       (www.t-hasak.org)

Ankara, 26 May 2006     
Dear Dr LEE's family.
Dear Republic of Korea’s People
Dear Assistant Director-General of WHO
Dear Secretary General of WFPHA
Dear Secretary General of EUPHA
Dear colleagues.

The Turkish Public Health Association (TPHA) mourns the passing of Dr. LEE Jong-Wook, who championed the health of people across the globe as Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The unexpected and dramatic death of the Director General, Dr Jong-wook LEE has marked the opening of the 59th World Health Assembly (22–27 May 2006) in Geneva.

Dr LEE, Director-General of the World Health Organization, died on 22nd May 2006 following a short illness. Dr LEE, a national of the Republic of Korea, was a world leader in public health. He was 61 years old. He tackled every challenge with passion, dedication and professionalism. He was unfalteringly committed to WHO's mission, to help all people to attain "the highest possible level of health." The loss of him carries profound repercussions for the international public health community.”   

Dr LEE was the first UN Agency Head from the Republic of Korea. He began his five-year term as Director-General of WHO on 21 July, 2003. 

The sudden loss of public health leader, colleague and friend of all over the World is devastating. His inspiring leadership enabled all of us to fulfill our role in improving public health, both globally, locally and for the most affected people.

The Turkish Public Health Association extends our deepest and most sincere condolences to Dr LEE's family, Republic of Korea, WHO, WFPHA, EUPHA and all public health colleagues in all over the World.

The funeral of Dr. LEE Jong-wook took place in Geneva on 24th May 2006 Wednesday. Reporters were welcome to attend the funeral, which would also be attended by family, friends, WHO staff and Turkish Delegation for the 59th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

We lost a great man and a devoted fighter for the human health rights. May he rest in peace.

Prof. Dr. Hikmet PEKCAN
President of the Turkish Public Health   
Association, ANKARA

Bekir METİN
Vice President of the Turkish Public
Health Association, ANKARA