GENEVA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Dr. Lee Jong-wook, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), suddenly fell ill on Saturday and will be absent from the 59th World Health Assembly (WHA).

Lee Jong-wook, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO). He was sent to the hospital and operated on for a blood clot in the brain Saturday on May 20, 2006. (File photo)

    A WHO statement said Dr. Lee suddenly fell ill Saturday afternoon while attending an official function in Geneva and he was taken to hospital by ambulance.

    Medical staff at the Cantonal Hospital of Geneva determined that Dr. Lee required surgery in order to remove a blood clot on his brain. And the surgery was undertaken immediately.

    "Dr. Lee is currently recovering from surgery ... He will be inhospital for some time," the WHO statement said, adding that he would not be able to attend the 59th WHA which takes place May 22-27.

    The WHA is the supreme decision-making body for the 192-member WHO and its main function is to determine the policies of the organization.

    This year's meeting will discuss issues related to pandemic-influenza preparedness and response, infant and young child nutrition, HIV/AIDS, polio eradication, international trade and health, and etc.

    Dr. Lee, a national of the Republic of Korea, has been director-general of the WHO since July 21, 2003.

    The 61 year-old director-general has been in good health, the WHO statement said. He is married, and has one son. Enditem