Taiwan’s third wave of international coronavirus-combating assistance was announced May 5 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Under the initiative, the U.S. will receive 2.28 million surgical masks, New Southbound Policy target countries, 1.8 million; the EU, 1.3 million; allies, 1.09 million; and Africa and the Middle East, 600,000. Many of the masks bound for the Middle East will be used in assisting Syrian refugees.
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to enhance Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
According to the MOFA, the people of Taiwan are also playing an important role in strengthening the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of May 5, an estimated 3.93 million masks have been dedicated via the dedicated National Health Insurance app.
Other essential items and equipment donated by Taiwan include forehead thermometers, infrared displays and ventilators. Recipients include allies, NSP target countries, the EU, Switzerland, the U.K. and U.S.
Latest statistics from the CECC reveal 439 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan as of May 6, with six deaths. A total of 3,694,078 cases have been identified in 185 other countries and territories. (TYT-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw