On May 18th, as the 2024 World Health Assembly (WHA) was about to open, some overseas Taiwanese organizations in the Boston area held a picket protest in the local downtown park, calling for support from all sectors of society for Taiwan to participate in the conference.
In the afternoon, about 30 compatriots gathered at Boston Common, holding signs in support of Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly. They marched around the park and held up signs at busy intersections to express Taiwan’s desire to participate in global health services.
“In the field of public health, Taiwan is actually a model student. So we hope that in this aspect, it can become a member of the world. This is a long road ahead,” said Riva Chen, President of the Boston Taiwan World Health Association.
The groups participating in the Saturday march included the Boston Taiwan World Health Association, Boston National Taiwan University Alumnae Association, Boston Chinese Culture University Alumni Association, Pochi Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, Pan-American Hakka Association, New England Greater Boston Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, New England Hakka Fellow Association, Massachusetts Newton Yuan Ji Dance Fitness Association, and the Boston Overseas Chinese Disaster Relief Association. Director Pan Zhaorong of the Overseas Chinese Education Center and Overseas compatriots Affairs Commissioner Guo Jingru also took part.
“Taiwan’s medical field is very advanced. We hope that we can join hands with other countries and members to work for our World Health Organization,” Guo Jingru said.
Due to interference from the Chinese government, Taiwan has been unable to participate in the World Health Assembly for the past 8 years. This year’s conference is scheduled to open on May 27th. However, despite the opposition from the Chinese government, by the registration deadline of May 13th, Taiwan still did not receive an invitation to the assembly.
Participant Kevin Keene said during Saturday’s march that Taiwan has proven itself as a responsible member of the global community in terms of health during the past few years of the pandemic. However, political factors have been interfering with Taiwan’s membership in the WHO.
“But I believe it is important that Taiwan can make important and valuable contributions to the WHO, which is a win-win situation for everyone,” he said.