Taiwan is preparing to send a delegation to the 78th World Health Assembly, which will be held in Geneva from May 19 to 27. Although Taiwan has not yet received an invitation to attend the event, the country will still take part in the session through its usual channels. Health and Welfare Minister Chiu Tai-yuan confirmed the plan in a statement on Wednesday.
The World Health Organization’s annual event gathers representatives from member countries to discuss global health issues. Taiwan, however, has faced significant barriers in recent years, primarily due to political pressure from China. For the past eight years, Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly has been blocked. Despite this, Taiwan remains determined to be involved in the discussions and continues its efforts to maintain a presence at the event.
Minister Chiu highlighted that Taiwan’s delegation would attend the event even without an invitation. The delegation will engage with representatives from other countries and groups on the sidelines. Additionally, Taiwan will organize various activities, such as forums and news conferences, to promote its healthcare system and share its expertise with the global community.
Taiwan has a proven track record of cooperation with other nations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country contributed significantly to global efforts by providing masks and vaccines to nations in need. This collaboration helped Taiwan gain international support for its healthcare initiatives and reinforced the country’s stance on the importance of healthcare as a basic human right.
Chiu also emphasized that healthcare should not be influenced by political motives. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to offering high-quality healthcare assistance to countries in need. Despite the ongoing challenges, Taiwan’s delegation will continue to use the World Health Assembly as an opportunity to showcase the country’s healthcare capabilities.
In conclusion, even without official recognition at the World Health Assembly, Taiwan’s delegation will persist in promoting its healthcare system and global cooperation. Taiwan remains dedicated to contributing to worldwide health initiatives, reaffirming its position as a leader in global health.
