Two Indonesian patients who underwent life-saving liver transplant procedures at National Taiwan University (NTU) Hospital have returned to visit after 10 years of living healthily. In a Friday press conference, Sherlyn and David, both born with biliary atresia, spoke in support of Taiwan's medical strength and how they are thriving examples of "Taiwan Can Help".
Sherlyn came to Taiwan with her mother in 2014 after multiple referrals and evaluations following failed treatment in Malaysia. However, due to the rapid deterioration of her condition, she was transferred to the intensive care unit for 20 days, where she suffered from multiple organ failure. Under the care of the NTU medical team, her condition gradually stabilized, and she was able to undergo a living liver transplant donated by her mother. Sherlyn's successful transplant story inspired David and his father, who took the initiative to contact NTU Hospital. The two underwent a similar successful transplant in 2016.
Biliary atresia is a disorder in infants in which bile ducts are either blocked or malformed, causing bile to build up in the liver, damaging it and potentially leading to scarring, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
Since the establishment of its International Medical Center in 2005, NTU Hospital has actively promoted international medical services and humanitarian aid, assisting many critically ill patients to come to Taiwan for medical treatment. Starting in 2018, it also undertook the medical promotion of the Taiwan government’s New Southbound Policy to deepen exchanges and cooperation with South and Southeast Asia.
Sherlyn and David's successful treatments are proof of Taiwan's medical technology prowess and international trust. Sherlyn's story was also selected by the Foreign Ministry for the promotional short film "My Second Home," which captures her journey seeking help in Taiwan. The film emphasizes Taiwan's medical soft power and humanitarian values and calls on the international community to support Taiwan's participation in the WHO and the World Health Assembly (WHA).