The submission of a proposal by 15 diplomatic allies urging the WHO to invite Taiwan as an observer to the 71st WHA is deeply appreciated by the people and government, according to the MOFA May 21. (UDN)

The staunch support of diplomatic allies for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly is deeply appreciated by the government and people, and reflects widespread backing in the international community for the nation’s meaningful participation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 21.
 
A proposal submitted by 15 diplomatic allies urging the World Health Organization to invite Taiwan as an observer to the 71st WHA running May 21-26 was not included on the agenda for the assembly after being rejected in debates at the WHA General Committee and WHA plenary session.
 
Kingdom of Eswatini and Solomon Islands argued for the motion at the General Committee, while mainland China and Cuba protested the measure. The Marshall Islands and St. Vincent and the Grenadines spoke in support of the proposal at the plenary session, with mainland China and Pakistan voicing opposition.
 
According to the MOFA, the WHO should adopt an inclusive approach as Taiwan’s participation will strengthen global disease prevention networks and protect health and well-being throughout the international community. Only the democratically elected government can represent the 23 million people of Taiwan and safeguard their fundamental right to health, the ministry added.
 
Taiwan attended the assembly—the decision-making body of the WHO—as an observer from 2009 to 2016 following 38 years of exclusion. Its involvement is widely recognized as helping foster global health security.
 
Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung is in Geneva as the head of a delegation to convey the nation’s deep dissatisfaction over its exclusion from the WHA. His agenda also includes holding talks with officials and medical experts from diplomatic allies and like-minded countries, according to the MOFA. (KWS-E)