Taiwan’s legislators and medical professionals came together during a press conference on Wednesday morning calling for the country’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly (WHA). The WHA is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision-making body. This year, the assembly is scheduled to meet virtually on May 22.
During Wednesday’s press conference, the Taiwan Medical Association said Taiwan joined the WHA between 2009 and 2016 as an observer. After that the WHO barred Taiwan from participating for political reasons. The medical association said that 28 country leaders voiced support for Taiwan’s inclusion last year.
Legislator and Taiwan Medical Association President Chiu Tai-yuan says that Taiwan’s government and people came together to combat COVID-19. He says that the country managed its economic growth well while fighting the disease. Chiu says Taiwan can share its experiences if it’s allowed into the WHA.