Chan said that if her nomination was confirmed on Thursday, she would pursue the legacy of former WHO Director-General Lee Jong-wook, and his predecessors.

"I have the commitment, the passion and ability to serve this organization, and I have the determination to achieve results for health," Chan said.

Chan also expressed hope to cooperate with her rivals in the race, since some were her colleagues in the WHO. "I'm looking forward to cooperating to make the world a healthy place."

Chan, as Hong Kong's top health official from 1994 to 2003, dealt with the first fatal outbreak of bird flu among humans in the region and spearheaded the fight against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

As a senior WHO official since 2003, Chan also unveiled a series of initiatives to revitalize the agency, aiming its focus at helping countries combat diseases, including a possible bird flu pandemic.

She also pledged to reduce child mortality and combat Aids in developing countries if she were elected to succeed Dr Lee Jong-wook, of South Korea.

"My confidence is in the WHO. Working for the WHO in the past three years has allowed me to realize my vision, to apply my public health experience on a global scale to serve the world's interests," Chan said in the campaigning period ahead of the election.

Straightforward and outspoken, Chan also said that she would not give China any favorable treatment if elected as the WHO chief, despite her Chinese nationality and full backing by China in her bid.

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