To prepare for her attempt to become Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Margaret Chan arrived in Hong Kong Sunday afternoon from Beijing and explained that central government had promised full support for her running for the top job.  

 

Chan, currently serving as WHO Assistant Director-General for Communicable Diseases, told the press after arriving at Hong Kong International Airport she had met with Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi and other senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health in the past two days in Beijing. She felt the meetings had been important to assist raise her competitiveness for the post.

 

Chan explained she'd visit dozens of countries and regions in the run up to the appointment being made. She explained she'd require much help from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world. She emphasized that central government had promised to give her full support.

 

Chan said that during her stay in Hong Kong she'd meet with Chief Executive Donald Tsang and senior officials from health and other related departments to discuss their views on major health topics in the region.

 

The Chinese government announced Tuesday it would support Chan to run for the WHO post and spoke highly of her contribution in fighting communicable diseases.

 

The election for WHO Director-General will be in November this year. Chan served in the Hong Kong government for 25 years before taking up her current WHO post in 2003.

 

She did not reveal her time-table for the Hong Kong visit.  

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2006)