– Support Taiwan’s regular participation in all WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities
By Director-General Amino C.Y. Chi, The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused destruction for everyone’s life for more than two years and turned itself into a “Covid Groundhog Day” with no end in sight still.
For the past two years, Taiwan’s antipandemic efforts, its contributions to the international community, and its cooperation with partners worldwide have demonstrated that Taiwan is a force for good. It has also shown that Taiwan is willing and able to join global efforts to combat the pandemic and tackle the myriad challenges of the post-pandemic era.
A leader in global public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the most important organization dedicated to safeguarding the right to health. However, due to political considerations, WHO has been unable to uphold professionalism and neutrality. By continuing to exclude Taiwan, WHO is severely jeopardizing global health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded the world that diseases know no borders. Having been left isolated and without support during previous epidemics, Taiwan deeply understands the importance of mutual assistance and strengthening resilience to creatively meet challenges. This is not only an urgent issue that’s recognized by Taiwan, but also by like-minded countries around the world. Therefore, actions have been taken to vocalize their support of Taiwan, as well as showing Taiwan that it’s not alone.
The US has demonstrated its support for Taiwan’s participation as President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on May 13, to help Taiwan regain observer status at the WHA. For the second straight year, the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations over the Joint Communiqué voiced their support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation at the Assembly. Moreover, Taiwan’s eight diplomatic allies from Latin America and the Caribbean regions had written to the Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the WHO speaking for Taiwan’s access to the organization. Legislators from 20 other countries within the region have also shown their support of Taiwan’s inclusion in this upcoming Assembly.
Taiwan is an indispensable partner on the path to global post-pandemic recovery and hopes to work with WHO and nations worldwide to jointly overcome this crisis. Taiwan stands firm in its commitment to engage in international health care cooperation and once again calls on WHO to maintain a professional and neutral stance, repudiate inappropriate political interference, and invite Taiwan to the WHA as an Observer.
Only the popularly elected government of Taiwan can represent its 23.5 million people at WHO and protect their right to health.
