More than ten countries voiced support for Taiwan's inclusion at the World Health Assembly (WHA) on Tuesday. Representatives urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to adopt an inclusive approach, recognizing Taiwan's significant capabilities and willingness to contribute to global health.
The WHA began on Monday with France, the U.K., Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, and the EU expressing support for Taiwan during the opening session. The momentum carried into the second day, with countries including the U.S., Canada, Japan, Latvia, Estonia, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, and New Zealand, as well as diplomatic allies Haiti and Guatemala also advocating for Taiwan.
Estonia's Health Minister Riina Sikkut spoke out calling for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHA. She says everyone deserves fair access to quality healthcare regardless of socioeconomic status or political realities. Sikkut also highlighted Taiwan's willingness, capability, and experience in advancing global public health.
The U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra reaffirmed U.S. support for Taiwan’s involvement in WHO activities, while Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Health Akihisa Shiozaki emphasized learning from Taiwan’s successful public health strategies to prevent global outbreaks.