Strong candidate: Former Director of Health Dr Margaret Chan will compete for the post of the Director-General of the World Health Organisation.

The Central People's Government will support former Director of Health Dr Margaret Chan in her bid for the post of Director-General of the World Health Organisation.

Welcoming the Central Government's move, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow said Dr Chan worked tirelessly to improve health services and promote the development of public health services when serving as the Director of Health in Hong Kong.

"Dr Chan comes from Hong Kong and has served the Government for 25 years. We take pride in the nomination," he said.

Dr Chan joined the WHO in 2003. Since then, she has made tremendous contributions in promoting public health in the international arena, especially in the prevention and control of communicable diseases.

She has proactively encouraged countries to work out influenza pandemic preparedness and response plans, fostered pandemic vaccine research and development, and helped developing countries enhance their capability to guard against flu outbreaks.

Her efforts have successfully raised international alertness and concerns over the prevention of a flu pandemic.