The Board has decided by resolution that it would nominate a new director-general in a meeting from 6-8 November. This meeting would be followed by a one-day special session of the World Health Assembly on 9 November, which would vote to appoint the new director-general.

Hong Kong welcomed the central government's decision, said a spokesman of the Hong Kong government Tuesday.

The spokesman said Chan worked tirelessly to improve health services and promote the development of public health services when serving as Director of Health in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

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

The spokesman said, "Dr. Chan has 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. Her effort has successfully raised international alertness and concerns over the prevention of influenza pandemic."

The Chinese government announced Tuesday that it will support Chan to run for Director-General of WHO and spoke highly of her contribution in the fighting of communicable diseases.

Chan currently serves as WHO Assistant Director-General for Communicable Diseases. The election for Director-General will be in November this year.

Set up in 1946, the WHO now has 192 full members.