Backing from 85 countries for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly is welcomed by the government and people of Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 26 in Taipei City. (MOFA)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended gratitude to the 85 countries that promoted Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly May 26 in Taipei City.

Over 7,000 individuals from these nations’ legislatures, medical associations, think tanks and other organizations have spoken up for Taiwan in various ways as the WHO prepares for the 77th meeting of its governing body, the MOFA added.

A group of Taiwan’s allies holding WHO membership submitted a proposal to request the country’s involvement in WHA as an observer, and like-minded nations have continued to speak out for Taiwan. In addition to joint statements released following the G7 foreign ministers’ meetings and Australia-U.K. 2+2 ministerial consultations, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and high-ranking officials from Belgium, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands made supportive remarks.

The lawmaking bodies of multiple nations took a variety of approaches to make their stances on the matter clear, including passing motions and resolutions, sending letters to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and posting messages on social media. The Formosa Club, an organization composed of parliamentarians from Canada and Europe friendly to Taiwan urged the international health organization to invite Taiwan to attend this year’s WHA, scheduled for May 27-June 1.

The World Medical Association has also sent a letter to the WHO encouraging the body to include Taiwan, demonstrating the important role of civil society in the process.

Taiwan’s expertise in and contributions to public health, especially in the fields of epidemic prevention and relief, have been globally recognized. The ministry called on the WHO to incorporate Taiwan into the activities, meetings and mechanisms of the WHA and WHO to fulfill the organization’s goal of health for all. (POC-E)