The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a humanitarian disaster on a scale not seen in Europe since World War II. More than 4.8 million people have fled the devastating conflict in search of safety in neighboring countries, according to the latest U.N. Refugee Agency estimates.

Taiwan, a responsible member of the international community, was quick to stand with Ukraine alongside other members of the democratic world. The 23.5 million people of Taiwan also wasted no time in demonstrating deepseated support for the kindred spirits of Ukraine. Love from Taiwan donations of cash, essential items and medical supplies coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and nongovernmental organizations flowed in from around the country before disbursement and distribution to EU states like Poland and Slovakia on the front lines of the mass migration.

Such a significant societywide outpouring of care and concern is testament to the shared values enshrined in the Taiwan Can Help philosophy defining the country’s engagement with the global family of nations. It is also the foundation of the government’s ongoing efforts to secure observer status for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).

With the 75th edition of the WHA opening May 22 in Geneva, an important question must be put to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Why is Taiwan—a force for good with a long track record of caring and sharing for the betterment of all—shut out of the important annual gathering of WHO member state delegations?

The quick and easy answer is the country’s nonmembership of the U.N. and the so-called one China principle. But this low-hanging political fruit is picked only by Beijing’s Taiwan deniers and others refusing to recognize 21st century geopolitical realities and the pressing need for coordinated action in tackling shared challenges.

A case in point is COVID-19. Infection and fatality tallies for WHO member states stand at 504 million and 6.2 million, respectively, as of April 14—staggering numbers reflecting the seriousness of coronavirus and its continued threat to public health and the global economy. If all countries are to transition to the post-pandemic era, then all countries, including Taiwan, must have an equal say in planning and implementing the final campaign against COVID-19.

As a leader in combating coronavirus, Taiwan remains willing and able to share related know-how and resources. The darkest days of the pandemic saw the country cooperate closely with allies and partners worldwide, saving lives, fostering unity and ensuring the U.N. promise to Leave No One Behind was deemed more than lip service by those forced to fend alone.

Taiwan’s no-strings-attached approach to advancing health and well-being is further evidenced by the honorable and successful work of its medical missions in allies and partner countries around the globe. Overseen by Taipei City-headquartered International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF), the country’s foremost foreign aid organization, these outposts of compassion and kindness are making headway in building better tomorrows for the people.

The bottom line is it is time for the WHO to recognize Taiwan’s existence and extensive contributions to global health by inviting the country to attend the WHA as an observer. It takes all hands on deck to achieve the WHO’s goal of Health for All, and Love from Taiwan—as consistently shown to great effect—is a bona fide game-changer.

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