Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says many countries are concerned about this year's shortage of influenza vaccines, saying the problem could arise again with an avian flu outbreak.

Speaking at the opening of the 57th Session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Auckland today, Dr Chow said US authorities share the concern and are looking into vaccine supplies for the most needy areas.

On the upcoming selection of the WHO Director-General, Dr Chow said Dr Margaret Chan has distinct advantages over other candidates, citing her rich experience in running Hong Kong's public health system and with the WHO, specialising in pandemic preparation and communicable disease management and control.

"She enjoys a good track record and has initiated a number of reforms during her tenure of service as Hong Kong's Director of Health, particularly in respect of disease surveillance, child care services and development of Chinese medicine," he said.

Dr Chow also reported the progress of Hong Kong's healthcare programmes on avian flu, tobacco control, student obesity, HIV and AIDS prevention, and the treatment of cancer and poisoning.

He later held talks with Japan's Senior Vice-Minister of Health, Labour & Welfare Masao Akamatsu, and New Zealand Minister of Health Pete Hodgson. He will meet New Caledonia's Health Minister Marianne Devaux tomorrow.