A delegation led by Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung will depart for Geneva May 19 to convey Taiwan’s deep dissatisfaction at not receiving an invitation to the World Health Assembly, as well as meet with officials and medical experts from diplomatic allies and like-minded countries.
Speaking at a news conference May 16, Chen said that health is the fundamental right of every human being and Taiwan is determined to safeguard the well-being of its 23 million people. Taiwan’s noninvitation to the 71st WHA due to political interference is regretted by the government and people, he added.
According to the minister, excluding Taiwan from the event, running May 21-26, creates a gap in the global health and disease prevention network. This is not only harmful to the country, but a loss to the world, he said.
Taiwan is willing and able to work with the international community in advancing health care development, Chen said, adding that the delegation will hold discussions with foreign specialists to identify new opportunities for expanding the nation’s overseas medical contributions.
The delegation will stage forums on issues spanning antibiotic resistance, oral health care for seniors, strengthening medical systems through building partnerships, as well as universal health care coverage, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said.
Chen will also express gratitude to diplomatic allies and like-minded nations for voicing staunch support of Taiwan’s participation in the WHA—the decision-making body of the World Health Organization. In recent weeks, diplomatic allies as well as lawmakers, officials and organizations from Canada, the EU, France, Germany, Japan and the U.S. have conveyed their backing for Taiwan’s attendance at the event.
Taiwan participated in the annual WHA as an observer from 2009 to 2016 following 38 years of exclusion. Its involvement is widely recognized as helping strengthen disease prevention efforts and safeguard global health security. (KWS-E)
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