A statement from the U.S. Mission in Geneva backing Taiwan’s inclusion in the 73rd WHA is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, according to the MOFA Nov. 7. (Courtesy of U.S. Mission in Geneva)

The backing of the U.S. Mission in Geneva for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nov. 7.

Since the WHA last convened in mid-May, calls for Taiwan’s attendance in the decision-making body of the World Health Organization have grown louder, with the executive and legislative branches of countries in Africa, Europe and Latin America publicly voicing their support, the MOFA said. Major media outlets and international organizations such as the World Medical Association have also spoken up for Taiwan, it added.

The outpouring of support underscores the importance of the WHA to ensuring global public well-being, the MOFA said, adding the WHO should recognize the universal right to health and accept Taiwan’s full participation in its activities, mechanisms and meetings.

The ministry’s response followed a statement released Nov. 6 by the U.S. mission urging WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to invite Taiwan to the WHA, which is running through Nov. 14 in Geneva.

During this unprecedented global health emergency, the world is counting on the WHA to Leave No One Behind, including Taiwan and its 23 million people, the statement said.

According to the statement, the U.S. is encouraged by the growing support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the global health system, adding Dr. Tedros must allow Taiwan to share with the assembly how it achieved its remarkable success in managing COVID-19.

The agency also commended Taiwan’s commitment to advancing global health. “We all stand to benefit from Taiwan’s inclusion in the 73rd WHA,” it said in a tweet posted to its official Twitter account the same day. (SFC-E)