Special report: Global fight against bird flu
    GENEVA, May 14 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday opened its 60th annual assembly with avian and pandemic influenza top on its agenda.

    The World Health Assembly (WHA), the top decision-making body of the WHO, will discuss the latest developments of the pandemic threat posed by the H5N1 virus as well as the international response, a WHO statement said.

    Issues to be discussed at the meeting include the sharing of avian flu samples for vaccine research work and the application of the global defense network of International Health Regulations.

    Dr Margaret Chan, the new WHO director-general, will address the assembly later on Monday. She is expected to further elaborate her plans for improving the health of females and Africans.

    Other issues on the agenda include smallpox eradication, the proposed establishment of Malaria Day, tuberculosis control, and prevention and control of no communicable diseases.

    Delegations from all 193 members of the WHO are participating in the conference, which will continue till May 23.