The Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO), Margaret Chan, arrived in Cuba, where she will comply with an intensive agenda, including visits to many scientific research centers, Granma newspaper reports today.

Chan, who came accompanied by the director of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), Carissa F. Etienne, was welcomed yesterday at the "Jose Marti" International Airport, by Public Health Minister Roberto Morales, and WHO-PAHO representative in Cuba, Jose Luis Di Fabio.

During a brief exchange with the press, Chan said, "this is my third visit here and I am very happy to be back. Every time I come, I learn something new about the Cuban scientists and health workers," she said.

I know my program will be intensive in these two days, but I'm not worried because I know I will learn about the work they are doing in terms of research, bio-pharmaceutics, throughout the health sector.

During her stay here, Chan will visit the Havana-based Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), and the Center for Molecular Engineering, as well as give a keynote speech at the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Health. Cuban chaired in May the 67th World Health Assembly, a recognition to the achievement in that sector.