Unfailing support: Chief Executive Donald Tsang hosts a reception to introduce Dr Margaret Chan to the consular corps in the city.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says Hong Kong will back Margaret Chan's bid for the post of Director-General of the World Health Organisation, adding if elected, she would lead the organisation into a new era of international cooperation.

Mr Tsang today discussed with Dr Chan at Government House how the Government could complement the Central Government's efforts to support her election campaign.

The Chief Executive then hosted a reception to introduce Dr Chan to the consular corps in the city. Twelve representatives from the 34 countries on the Executive Board of the WHO were present.

"Margaret is most eminently suitable for the job because she is an outstanding public health professional with a strong sense of responsibility and solid professional and academic background: first-hand experience in handling infectious disease prevention and control; her full understanding of the operation and challenges of the WHO; and more importantly her illustrious record of achievement in terms of influenza pandemic preparedness during the past three years in WHO," Mr Tsang said.

A great honour

Dr Chan said she was deeply honored by the trust the Central Government placed in her.

"In these times of great change in global health, leadership of the WHO demands vision, integrity, political skills, technical knowledge and managerial excellence. The new Director-General of WHO will have a crucial role in ensuring that the Organisation's work supports the member states' efforts in reducing poverty, promoting health and preventing diseases and suffering, especially in the developing countries," said Dr Chan.