I am deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Lee Jong-wooks passing. Dr. Lee was a true champion of universal health, and this vision was reflected in his directorship of WHO and strongly felt by those who had discussed public health issues with him.

In my personal encounters with Dr. Lee, he was generous enough to offer advice to help Taiwan and tried his best to resolve issues related to Taiwans participation in WHO activities as a non-member state. In fact, it was during Dr. Lees term as Director-General that Taiwan began receiving invitations to participate in WHO-sponsored meetings again after we were forced to leave the world body in 1972. Our efforts to control infectious diseases in general and to prepare for pandemic flu in particular have been greatly aided by these meetings.

My colleagues and I will remember Dr. Lees contributions to public health in Taiwan and in the greater world. On behalf of all staff at Taiwan CDC, I extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to Dr. Lees family.

Dr. Steve H.S Kuo
Director
Center for Disease Control, Taiwan