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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) extends its heartiest congratulations to Dr Margaret Chan on her nomination by the World Health Organization's (WHO) Executive Board today (January 18, Geneva time) for a second term as Director-General of the Organization.
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, welcomes the nomination. He said that Dr Chan's nomination reflected the wide recognition of her work in the current term by different countries. Dr Chan is the former Director of Health in Hong Kong. The people of Hong Kong take pride in her senior position in WHO and her contribution to the global health. We are also grateful to the Central Government for its support to Dr Chan.
"We believe that Dr Chan would face more new challenges in her new term of office. HKSARG will continue to work closely with the WHO and participate actively in global endeavours to combat diseases and improve global health," said Mr Tsang.
The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said that Dr Chan has an illustrious record of achievement during her first term as Director-General of the WHO. She has made long-term planning for communicable diseases like influenza pandemic, as well as non-communicable diseases like prevention of chronic illnesses. Dr Chan especially attaches great attention to medical problems in developing countries, women's health and tobacco control. Her outstanding performances are well-recognised and praised by health authorities of different countries.
The nomination will be submitted for approval to the Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly, scheduled to meet in Geneva in May 2012.
Ends/Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Issued at HKT 23:37
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