TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Health and Welfare Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) told media that Taiwan, for the ninth consecutive year, was not invited to attend Monday’s opening of the World Health Assembly meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.
Chiu said that US funding cuts have created a crisis for the organization, potentially creating an opportunity for Taiwan to provide more medical assistance to other countries. He said Taiwan was eager to join the WHA and willing to make a bigger contribution to global health, per CNA.
Speaking from Geneva, where Chiu is leading a delegation to lobby for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA, Chiu said that ministers from political allies Belize and St. Vincent have been supportive and have actively opposed China’s outsized influence over the organization.
Chiu said the lack of funding this year severely curtailed WHO activities, as he believes the “Taiwan Can Help” campaign can support the shortfall in supplies and resources needed in the global public health field.
"I believe that timely assistance can help many countries. Given Taiwan's economic situation, this is an opportunity for us to increase our contribution to the world."
The current session of the WHA is expected to include passage of the Pandemic Agreement. Taiwan’s exclusion from the agreement, including formulation and signing, puts it at a significant disadvantage in taking part in global health initiatives.
Chiu said that Taiwan has authored many international conventions on epidemics and has held intensive meetings with various countries. Therefore, Taiwan's experience and knowledge in epidemic prevention should be a model for many countries to emulate.
Chiu was asked if the US withdrawal from the WHO next year will affect the international support for Taiwan entering the global health body.
"Earlier this year, the US called on the WHO to invite Taiwan to participate in international public health activities. Even though it announced its intention to withdraw from the WHO, I think Americans still have a strong sense of justice. Given our relationship with the US, it should continue to assist us, whether it is old or new international organizations."
Chiu said the campaign to gain membership in the WHO has led Taiwan’s government to publish more than 120 articles in newspapers and journals worldwide. Each article presented Taiwan's medical experience and skill in epidemic prevention, promoting Taiwan's image as a "top student" in public health.
