Washington will continue supporting Taipei’s participation as an observer in the governing body of the World Health Organization, according to a U.S. Department of State report released April 20.
“As we plan for the 63rd World Health Assembly session this May, the U.S. welcomes the WHO inviting Taiwan once again to send an observer delegation,” the report stated.
The report was published in response to a U.S. Congress resolution requiring the State Department to clarify its position regarding Taiwan’s WHA participation.
It also found that U.S. efforts to have Taiwan invited to participate in the WHA as an observer bore fruit.
“For the first time since Taiwan began seeking observer status at the WHA in 1996, a delegation under the name ‘Chinese Taipei’ was invited by WHO Director-General Margaret Chan to participate as an observer.”
The report said Washington welcomes the WHO extending another invitation to Taiwan and will seek confirmation from Chan that Taiwan is invited to this year’s WHA assembly. “Our goal is for the WHO to invite Taiwan to attend as a WHA observer on an annual basis.”
The State Department said in its report that Taiwan’s participation in the WHA was a positive development and could serve as a model for participation in other U.N. bodies. “Taiwan has demonstrated its ability to positively contribute in addressing global health issues.”
“We will coordinate closely with like-minded nations to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the work of the WHO,” the report said.
The 63rd session of the WHA is scheduled to take place in Geneva from May 17 to 21. Department of Heath Minister Yaung Chih-liang will lead the ROC delegation and is expected to deliver a five-minute speech during the assembly. (CYH-JSM)