As a candidate for the post of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Margaret Chan, said Wednesday she was more confident about her chances having secured the support of China's central government as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

 

Currently serving as WHO Assistant Director-General for Communicable Diseases she held a press conference yesterday afternoon before departing for Geneva. Dr Chan explained she'd met with HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang; Hong Kong Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, York Chow and professional colleagues for their advice in the run-up to the appointment.  

 

Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi (R) shakes hands with Margaret Chan, during their meeting in Beidaihe, a summer seaside resort in north China's Hebei Province on July 29, 2006.

 

Dr Chan said she felt a bit nervous having secured the backing of the central government in her bid to become Director-General. However, at the same time their support and assistance from the government of HKSAR had heightened her confidence.

 

She stressed she'd do her utmost to live up to everyone's expectations. She would become "an international civil servant" if elected to the post. "I've to demonstrate that I'll be fair, open and transparent and deal with issues on their merits," said Dr Chan.  

 

China announced on July 25 that it was recommending Dr. Chan for the position. The appointment will be made by the WHO Executive Board in November.

 

In 1994 Dr. Chan was appointed the first female Director of Health in Hong Kong and gained a wealth of experience in combating infectious diseases such as avian influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

 

In 2003 she joined WHO and as Director of the Department of Protection of the Human Environment. In June 2005 she was appointed as Director of Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Response as well as being a Representative of the Director-General for Pandemic Influenza.

 

 

 

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2006)