South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun on Monday sent a telegram to the family of Lee Jong-wook, chief of the World Health Organization (WHO), to express "deep condolence" over Lee's sudden death early in the day.

"Our people will remember Dr. Lee's life-long contribution over a long time to strengthening international health cooperation and improving the health of the world," Roh said in his message.

Following Lee's death, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Lee's death "means a great loss at a national level as well," and offered help to Lee's family in preparing the funeral.

The Seoul-based International Vaccine Institute, where Lee was the founding director in 1997, issued a statement to memorize Lee's contribution to improving public health, especially in the world 's poorest nations.

An alumni association at Seoul National University's (SNU) College of Medicine, from which Lee got his Bachelor and Doctor degrees, announced earlier its plan to send a condolence group to Geneva.

Lee, a 61-year-old South Korean, died Monday in Geneva after receiving a surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.

Spanish Health Minister Elena Salgado, who also works as the current chairwomen of the annual assembly of the WHO, announced Lee's death at the opening ceremony of the WHO assembly Monday in Geneva, and asked delegates from 192 members of the UN health body to observe a two-minute silence.

South Korean Welfare Minister Rhyu Si-min, who is attending the WHO assembly, said it was "very saddening and heartrending" to hear the news.

"All of the staff of the WHO extend their most sincere condolences to Dr Lee's family. The sudden loss of our leader, colleague and friend, is devastating," the WHO said in a statement.

According to the WHO, Anders Nordstrom of Sweden, WHO's assistant director-general, will work as acting director general until a new chief is elected.

Lee took office as WHO chief in July 2003 for a five-year term. He has served for the WHO since 1983.

Source: Xinhua