A memorial service commemorating the 20th anniversary of the passing of Dr. Lee Jong-wook, former Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), was held on May 20 at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to Yonhap News, the event was organized by South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), with the participation of health ministries from six countries: South Korea, China, Ethiopia, Laos, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Attendees included WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong, Dr. Lee's widow, Reiko Kaburaki, members of the National Assembly from both ruling and opposition parties, representatives from global health organizations, and colleagues of Dr. Lee. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok sent a video tribute.
Dr. Lee began his association with WHO in 1983 as the head of the Hansen's disease eradication team in the South Pacific region. In 2003, he became the first South Korean to serve as the Director-General of WHO, holding the position until his sudden passing due to a brain hemorrhage caused by overwork in May 2006, just before the World Health Assembly. During his nearly 23 years at WHO, he worked tirelessly to combat Hansen's disease, tuberculosis, polio, and AIDS.
Under Dr. Lee's leadership, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the first global health treaty, was adopted, and he played a key role in revising the International Health Regulations (IHR) in 2005, which are considered foundational for pandemic response. His dedication to global disease eradication earned him the title of 'Asia's Schweitzer.'
In her tribute, Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong stated, "Many healthcare professionals are following the path that Dr. Lee paved, and the South Korean government will quietly support their efforts through various means, such as the Lee Jong-wook Public Health Award."
Director-General Tedros remarked, "I may not have known Dr. Lee personally, but I feel his legacy at WHO. His time as Director-General was brief, yet his achievements continue to underpin global health efforts."
Additionally, Reiko Kaburaki reflected on her time with Dr. Lee, expressing her commitment to continue his mission by supporting vulnerable populations as long as her health permits.
Before the memorial service, a newly renovated strategic health operations center established by Dr. Lee was inaugurated as the 'Lee Jong-wook Strategic Situation Room,' supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
In an interview with Yonhap News following the event, Minister Jeong emphasized, "Dr. Lee left a significant legacy in public health and serves as a great example for future generations. I hope that healthcare professionals contributing to public health will continue to follow in his footsteps."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.