CORRECTION FROM SOURCE: Minister Aglukkaq Addresses the 62nd World Health Assembly

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, May 19 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, last night underlined
the important role Canada continues to play in the global response to the
H1N1 outbreak.

"Canada is pleased to have contributed to the global response to H1N1. We
supported Mexico in testing samples at our National Microbiology
Laboratory in Winnipeg. The lab also completed the genome sequencing of
the Canadian and Mexican samples, which gives the world a better
understanding of the new virus," Minister Aglukkaq told health ministers
from around the world in her address during the plenary session of the
62nd World Health Assembly.

"Our Government continues to collaborate with our partners in Canada and
around the world to respond to the situation at home and
internationally," said Minister Aglukkaq, who led the Canadian delegation
to the Assembly. "Our preparedness continues to be important for global
health security. These sessions enhance our knowledge of the impact of
the outbreak."

Minister Aglukkaq joined Health Ministers from Mexico and the United
States in a special session where they described their experiences
responding to the H1N1 outbreak.

In addition to providing the Assembly with an overview of Canada's public
health response to the H1N1 crisis, Minister Aglukkaq highlighted the
importance of long-term health issues that need to be addressed to
improve the health and well-being of people around the world. For
example, improving access to primary health care in developing countries.

During the Assembly, Minister Aglukkaq met with Dr. Margaret Chan,
Director General of the World Health Organization, and health ministers
from China, Mexico, Chinese Taipei, Afghanistan, Brazil and the United
States. They discussed a number of public health issues in addition to
global health security and opportunities for working together in the
future.

The World Health Assembly is the main governing body of the World Health
Organization, representing over 190 countries.

Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at
www.healthcanada.gc.ca/media

Contacts:
Media Inquiries:
Health Canada
613-957-2983

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
Josee Bellemare
613-957-0200

Public Inquiries:
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

-0-