Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met with the “World Health Organization (WHO) Action Team” on the morning of May 24, reaffirming Taiwan’s willingness to contribute to global public health and human rights. Joining WHO and participating in the World Health Assembly are steadfast beliefs of the people of Taiwan, aiming to promote health and well-being not only in Taiwan but also worldwide.
President Tsai Ing-wen listened to the briefing by the head of the “WHO Action Team” and Minister of Health and Welfare, Shih-chung Tsai, as well as the experiences shared by Ambassador Yu-Tung Wu who has been involved in the team for years.
In his speech, Tsai Ing-wen warmly welcomed the “WHO Action Team” back to Taiwan, praising their efforts. He noted that under the leadership of Minister Tsai, the team, composed of medical and health professional groups, youth health advocates, civil organizations, overseas Taiwanese groups, and under the supervision of legislative members, successfully advocated for Taiwan’s medical rights on the international stage, garnering recognition from the global community. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the nation to Minister Tsai and the team members for their hard work.
President Tsai Ing-wen also extended appreciation to Ambassador Wu for tirelessly advocating for Taiwan’s participation in WHO over the past 25 years, demonstrating Taiwan’s excellence in healthcare services. He emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s commitment to health rights despite not being invited to the World Health Assembly this year and facing budget cuts.
During the team’s activities in Geneva, Taiwan engaged in more than 40 bilateral meetings, international forums, and press conferences. They signed a memorandum of cooperation with Geneva University Hospital and the International Hospital Alliance, showcasing Taiwan’s determination to join WHO and contribute to global public health and human rights.
President Tsai highlighted WHO’s principle of “leaving no one behind,” a notion that unfortunately excludes Taiwan’s 23 million people. He praised Minister Tsai and Vice Minister Jian-De Luh for their symbolic gesture in Geneva, which conveyed the message that Taiwan’s inclusion would strengthen WHO’s foundation.
Acknowledging the support from allies such as Belize at the World Health Assembly, President Tsai expressed gratitude for the backing of 26 EU member states and observers, aligning with the theme of “One World for Health.” Despite Taiwan’s exclusion from WHO membership and the Assembly, Tsai reiterated the country’s commitment to promoting health initiatives globally.
As someone from a medical background, President Tsai emphasized the universal importance of health transcending party politics and ethnicities. He underscored the urgency of addressing global infectious diseases like SARS and COVID-19, which pose threats to both Taiwan and the world, leading to the establishment of the “Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee” in the Presidential Office.
President Tsai expressed the hope for a healthier nation and a stronger global presence for Taiwan, resonating with WHO’s mission. Despite the current challenges of not being part of WHO and facing budget constraints, Taiwan remains dedicated to advocating for health rights for its people and contributing to global well-being, standing firm in its unwavering commitment to join WHO and participate in the World Health Assembly.