Diplomatic allies of the Republic of China (Taiwan) have submitted proposals to the World Health Organization supporting Taiwan’s participation in the 71th World Health Assembly to be held in Geneva May 21 to 26.

A number of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies from around the world have previously sent letters to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus requesting that a proposal to invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer be included in the agenda for this year’s event.

In order to protect the right to health of the Taiwanese people, as well as the health and welfare of all peoples, the Taiwanese government and its diplomatic allies are making this bid with the objective of having the WHO and its members recognize Taiwan’s importance to ensuring global health security. Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciates the enormous assistance it has received from the nation’s diplomatic allies, as well as the support it has received from all corners of the international community, and calls on the WHO to maintain its professionalism with respect to medicine and health, and refrain from serving the political objectives of individual countries. The WHO should at the earliest possible convenience issue an invitation to Taiwan to attend this year’s WHA, allowing Taiwan to work jointly with WHO members toward achieving universal health coverage as promoted by Director-General Tedros. (E)