The US Department of State is continuing to show support for Taiwan’s bid to join the World Health Assembly. On Monday, its Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs highlighted reasons why Taiwan should be included in the World Health Assembly on Twitter.
It tweeted, “Taiwan not only implemented one of the world’s most effective COVID-19 prevention strategies, it also donated critical PPE to countries around the globe.” It then added the hashtag #LetTaiwanHelp.
Over 250 lawmakers and senior government officials from more than 50 countries have expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA through a #LetTaiwanHelp campaign.
Taiwan has not been invited to join the World Health Assembly for a fifth year in a row. That’s despite having one of the world’s most successful records in containing the COVID-19 pandemic.
World Health Organization Spokesperson Margaret Harris replied in writing to an inquiry by the Central News Agency on the issue. Harris said the issue of Taiwan joining the World Health Assembly as an observer is decided by the 194 member countries of the WHO. She said the decision whether or not to invite Taiwan as an observer can be made by a simple majority.