As the international community wrestles with the health, economic and social impacts of COVID-19, Taiwan stands willing and able to share its know-how and resources in strengthening the global response to the pandemic.

This spirt of largesse is undiminished by the fact that the country remains shut out of the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Genevaheadquartered U.N. specialized agency readily prescribes an inclusive approach to combating coronavirus, except when it comes to Taiwan.

With the 74th edition of the World Health Assembly (WHA)—the decision-making body of the WHO attended by delegations from all of the organization’s member states—taking place virtually May 24 to June 1, WHO DirectorGeneral Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus would be well-advised to put politics to one side and deliver on his organization’s goal of achieving Health For All.

There is an inconvenient truth that needs to be faced posthaste by Dr. Tedros and WHO member states prepared to put lives at risk so as to support a blinkered and unrealistic political agenda. Taiwan and its 23.5 million people must be given a voice at the WHA if the WHO is to overcome the pandemic, meet emerging challenges and realize the health objectives of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are an integral part of the U.N.’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. If the initiative is to succeed in shifting the world onto a resilient path, it is critical no one is left behind. Given Taiwan’s extensive front-line experience promoting and providing health care in far-flung corners of the globe, WHA observer status is the best model for the country’s meaningful participation in the WHO.

A seat at the WHA table enables Taiwan to better share some of its most effective initiatives such as the Taiwan Model with the family of nations. The successful approach for managing COVID-19 harnesses the power and synergies of the country’s health care system, public and private sectors, citizenry, democracy, technology and deep-seated trust in the government and its policymaking. As of March 2021, Taiwan had recorded less than 1,000 confirmed cases and 10 deaths, earning it widespread international acclaim for anti-pandemic excellence.

WHA involvement would also allow the country to do even more in terms of making sure surgical masks and other personal protective equipment, as well as medical devices and pharmaceuticals, quickly find their way to those who need them most. To date, Taiwan has donated 54 million surgical masks and other anti-pandemic supplies to more than 80 countries—numbers reflecting the compassion and kindheartedness of the people.

Vaccine development is another area in which the country can assist via the WHA. As discussion of related measures adopted by the WHO within the context of public health emergencies preparedness and response is high on the agenda of the assembly, Taiwan can enhance outcomes by applying the professional strengths of its biotechnology, information and communication technology, medical care and R&D sectors.

With 2021 declared International Year of Health and Care Workers by the WHO, it is critically important all relevant stakeholders engage in dialogue to protect those serving selflessly on the coronavirus front lines. A Taiwan-attended WHA is the perfect platform for building a truly global consensus on advocacy, care and solidarity in support of these unsung heroes.

The pandemic has shown the value of an all hands on deck strategy for addressing inequities in achieving sustainable goals spanning health and development. It is time Dr. Tedros and the WHO recognize Taiwan Can Help, and that countries are stronger together when combating COVID-19.

2021 WHA