Taiwan’s use of timely, transparent and high-tech methods to combat COVID-19 have been praised by leaders of allies and like-minded partners around the world, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs March 24.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in an interview March 15 that when it comes to the new coronavirus, the country intends to closely follow the “Taiwanese model.” She cited guidelines for mass gatherings, which she believes have been instrumental in helping prevent community spread of the disease.
This follows Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech March 14 at his Jerusalem office. Emphasizing the need to track the virus, he announced intentions to follow similar technological methods implemented by Taiwan.
The sentiment was shared by Nicaragua Vice President Rosario Murillo, who issued an announcement March 11 that the Central American ally is set to ask for advice on disease-fighting measures from Taiwan’s ambassador to the country. So far Taiwan has not only managed to curb the spread of virus, but also kept its people from panicking, she said.
In a March 18 Time article titled “Taiwan Has Been Shut Out of Global Health Discussions. Its Participation Could Have Saved Lives,” former Denmark Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen described the country’s application of big data, centralized command and clear messaging as highly effective, adding that the World Health Organization needs Taiwan at the table.
Approval also came from officials, lawmakers and medical professionals of diplomatic allies like Belize, Paraguay, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as like-minded partners such as Argentina, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Panama, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Venezuela, the Netherlands, the U.S., the U.K. and the European Parliament.
According to the MOFA, Taiwan is committed to helping safeguard global public health. The government will continue working alongside its friends to create a seamless disease-fighting network, the ministry said, adding that Taiwan Can Help realize Health For All. (YCH-E)
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