Taiwan Medical Associations Unite, Urge WHO to Include Taiwan in World Health Assembly

Medical Professionals Advocate for Taiwan's Observer Status, Citing Contributions to Global Health and Expertise in Public Health.

Taipei, Taiwan – In a strong appeal to the World Health Organization (WHO), twenty-one major medical associations in Taiwan have called for Taiwan's inclusion as an observer in this year's World Health Assembly (WHA). The groups are urging the WHO to acknowledge Taiwan's significant contributions to global health and recognize its expertise in various areas of public health.

The 78th WHA, the WHO's annual decision-making body, is scheduled to take place in Geneva from May 19-27. However, as a non-member of the United Nations (U.N.), Taiwan has yet to receive an invitation to attend. This raises the possibility of Taiwan being excluded from the WHA for the ninth consecutive year.

During a press conference in Taipei, Taiwan Medical Association President Chou Ching-ming (周慶明) emphasized the importance of Taiwan's participation. He stated, "We strongly urge the WHO to acknowledge Taiwan's contributions to global health, and we hope that Taiwan can be invited to participate in this year's WHA and its related mechanisms as an observer." Chou highlighted that Taiwan's health system has been ranked first in the world for seven consecutive years, according to the Health Care Index compiled by Numbeo.

Chen Li-chin (陳麗琴), President of the Taiwan Union of Nurses Association, echoed the sentiment, stating that excluding Taiwan from the WHA "clearly contradicts the WHO's universal value that 'health is a basic human right.'" She further emphasized Taiwan's valuable experience and capabilities in public health, particularly in areas like COVID-19 prevention, medical technology, and international humanitarian aid.

Shih Chin-shui (施金水), director of the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Office of International Cooperation, announced that Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) will lead a delegation to Geneva next weekend to engage with representatives from over 40 countries and international organizations. Specific details of these meetings remain confidential.

The Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name, was previously excluded from the WHO in 1972 after the adoption of U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758. This resolution recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China. Taiwan was allowed to participate as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei" from 2009 to 2016. It also attended in 2016, but has not participated since.