Ecuador is the latest country with lawmakers supporting Taiwan’s participation in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the WHO. (MOFA)

The backing of Ecuador lawmakers for Taiwan’s participation in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the World Health Organization is sincerely appreciated, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 15.

In a May 9 letter to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, the 14-strong Taiwan Friendship Group of the Ecuador National Assembly urged the country’s invitation to the World Health Assembly. The group—led by Raul Auquilla—counts among its members Cesar Solorzano, first vice president of the ENA.

Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHA has left a gap in the global infection prevention and control network, the lawmakers said, adding that disease does not recognize borders and all members of the international community must stand together in combating outbreaks.

The highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition, the lawmakers said, adding that Taiwan’s contribution to achieving this end is essential.

According to the MOFA, the letter follows statements of support for Taiwan’s WHO participation by Japan, Germany, Australia, Canada, the EU, Peru, the U.K. and U.S. Politics must not be put ahead of realizing the WHO’s primary objective of Health For All, the ministry added.

The WHA is the annual meeting of the governing body of the WHO. Taiwan is excluded from the 72nd edition running May 20-28 in Geneva at the request of Beijing citing the “one China policy.” (HC-E)