TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Association Inc. and Taiwan Association Philippine Youth Chapter held a running event in Makati City, Philippines, on Sunday to advocate Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly. 

Nearly 100 people participated, including local businesspeople and community members and Taiwan Representative to the Philippines Wallace Chow (周民淦), CNA reported.  Runners wore shirts printed with “Taiwan for WHA” and carried posters with the same message.

Chow hoped the event would raise awareness among Filipinos about Taiwan’s political situation and garner more support for its inclusion in the WHO and the WHA, which lasts from May 19 to 27.  

The representative highlighted Taiwan’s achievements in implementing universal healthcare and its contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHO due to political factors creates a gap in the global health network, he said, which is unfair to Taiwan and the world.

Lin Teng-feng (林登峰), president of the TCCIP, said, “Health knows no borders.” Lin described Taiwan as a leader in public health with valuable expertise that contributes to global health. He said that Taiwan's exclusion undermines the WHO’s mission, adding that Taiwan’s voice must be heard.

This is the second event organized by the Taiwanese community in the Philippines to promote Taiwan’s participation in the global health body. On May 3, the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines held a “Taiwan Can Help” charity walk in Caloocan City.