TAIPEI, Taiwan, (TaiwanToday) – President Lai Ching-te received Taiwan’s delegation to the 78th World Health Assembly at the Presidential Office on May 24 in Taipei City, commending the group’s efforts to safeguard the people’s medical rights and thanking the global community for supporting Taiwan’s WHA bid.
While it is regrettable that the World Health Organization did not invite Taiwan to take part in the WHA this year, the lack of invitation did not change the people’s determination to uphold their medical rights, Lai said. To demonstrate Taiwan’s commitment, the delegation organized more than 40 bilateral meetings, forums and press events on the sidelines of the WHA, he said, adding that Taiwan is willing and able to contribute to the promotion of public health and global health rights.
The president also thanked Taiwan’s allies and like-minded partners for speaking up for Taiwan. The 78th WHA’s theme of “One World for Health” is in line with Taiwan’s policy guidelines, he said, adding that the government will continue to promote Taiwan’s WHO participation.
According to the ministry of foreign affairs, global support, in the form of proposals and public speeches, for Taiwan this year is stronger than ever and reflects the consensus of the international community on the legitimacy and necessity of Taiwan’s WHO participation.
Other major undertakings making the case for Taiwan during the WHA included a smart medical application forum staged on the sidelines to showcase smart medical tools developed by Taiwan firms Acer Medical Inc., and Quanta Computer Inc., graphics and posts on the MOFA’s social media accounts refuting China’s distortion of UN Resolution 2758; and two short films shot in Geneva highlighting the Taiwan delegation’s efforts in the Swiss city.