Canada will donate five million doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine as well as 6 million Canadian dollars (US$5.63 million) to support the World Health Organization's global pandemic relief effort, Canada announced Thursday.

The doses amount to 10 percent of Canada's total vaccine supply, and the funds provided by the Canadian International Development Agency will enable the WHO to support vaccination programs in developing countries.

"We are fortunate to be in a position to contribute H1N1 flu vaccine to the WHO to help developing countries now that we have met Canada's immediate needs," said Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq.

Earlier this month, Canada, with the support of its provincial and territorial governments, shipped five million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine to Mexico

A number of signs show the end of the second wave of the flu outbreak in Canada, including a decrease in rates of infection, hospitalization and deaths.

However, Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer, said it was too early to declare victory.

"We are continuing to encourage Canadians who have not yet been vaccinated to do so, not only because the H1N1 flu virus is still circulating in some places, but also because getting vaccinated today will provide individuals with a strong base of protection in the event of a third H1N1 flu virus wave or if the virus drifts," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2010)