Dr. Octavio Sanchez Midence, minister of health for diplomatic ally Honduras, praises Taiwan’s contributions to international medical care development at the WHA May 21 in Geneva. (Courtesy of WHO)

Expressions of support for Taiwan’s inclusion and calls for a seamless global health network at the 71st World Health Assembly are appreciated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
At the WHA plenary session May 22 in Geneva, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex M. Azar conveyed disappointment that Taiwan was not invited to attend as an observer. He urged the World Health Organization to focus on its core mission of facilitating coordinated responses to medical emergencies.
 
“It is difficult to reconcile our shared concern over cross-border infectious diseases with excluding representatives of the 23 million of Taiwan from this gathering,” Azar said.
 
Speaking at the plenary session the previous day, Honduras Minister of Health Dr. Octavio Sanchez Midence described Taiwan as an exceptional ally and partner. He voiced gratitude for its continued support in strengthening health care development in his nation and around the world.
 
In addition, over the two days, delegates from Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan and New Zealand emphasized the need for a comprehensive global health network. According to Michiyo Takagi, Japan’s deputy minister of health, labor and welfare, specific regions should not be left behind or geographical blank spots created when tackling the spread of infectious illnesses.
 
Canadian Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor said it is important for all members of the international community to be part of the health discussions. And Glenys Beauchamp, secretary of Australia’s Department of Health, noted that, as evidenced by past epidemics like severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, communicable diseases know no borders, while inclusivity has never been more important in achieving health-related U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
 
According to the MOFA, there is growing support in the international community for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHA. This is based on the consensus that the nation’s exclusion for political reasons is unreasonable and irrational, the ministry said.
 
Global health security relies on close cooperation and mutual assistance between all, the MOFA said, adding that no nation should be left behind and no people denied their fundamental right to health.
 
The nation will continue to work closely with diplomatic allies and like-minded countries to bolster health care development, the MOFA said. The WHO should focus on advancing global health rather than political agendas so as to effectively promote the well-being of all people, the ministry added.
 
Taiwan attended the WHA—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 boost 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 running through May 26. His agenda also includes holding talks with officials and medical experts from diplomatic allies and like-minded countries, according to the MOFA. (KWS-E)