Several Taiwanese top officials are saying Taiwan’s participation in the WHO is essential for the global health system. Representatives spoke out on Monday, a day after the annual World Health Assembly (WHA) kicked off in Geneva, Switzerland.
Taiwan has not received permission to attend the WHA as an observer, despite many countries advocating for Taiwan’s participation. Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Lin (林聿禪) says Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community and should have the right to participate in groups like the WHO. She adds that Taiwan has used its medical expertise to contribute to the global health system, making it a necessary partner in disease prevention.
Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan (薛瑞元) says new diseases may start spreading in China, putting Taiwan at risk, especially since it is not a WHO member. Hsueh adds that if there’s another pandemic and Taiwan is left out of the information network, it could jeopardize public health across the globe.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan’s right to participate depends on whether China continues to block Taiwan’s bid. But Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) says keeping Taiwan out of the WHO is unfair to the country’s 23 million people and is a loss for global health.