WKC mourns the passing of its first Director
WKC is sad to learn of the passing of its first Director, Dr Andrzej Wojtczak. Formerly the Deputy Minister of Health in Poland, Dr Wojtczak was appointed as Director of WKC in February 1996. He was instrumental in setting up the Centre, working from a room in Kobe Port Island’s Portopia Hotel to employ staff members.
During his Directorship of WKC, Dr Wojtczak established a strong foundation for the new Centre that has matured into a key part of WHO today. He is remembered by staff who worked with him as having tireless energy. He helped to increase the profile of WKC and established relationships with the local academic community. Many of the initiatives that he developed have had lasting impact as they continue to inform the work of the Centre as well as of WHO and countries.
Dr Wojtczak will be remembered as a global health leader who brought wisdom and lessons from Japan onto a world stage, and as a warmhearted person who always encouraged staff to move forward with confidence. We treasure the contributions he made to the Centre’s work, its staff and to Japan.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife and family at this difficult time.