Lee fell ill last Saturday while attending a function in Geneva and underwent an emergency surgery for a blood clot in his brain later on the same day. He passed away Monday following the surgery.
He was the director-general of the World Health Organization since 2003.
He played an important role in improving the health of millions of people. He did his best in combating tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, stopping polio, as well as encouraging the whole world in fighting against a potentially deadly flu pandemic.
He is survived by his wife, Reiko, a son, two brothers and one sister.
Anders Nordstrom, from Sweden, formerly assistant director-general of WHO, will succeed Lee to become the organization’s acting director-general.
