Despite receiving international recognition for their performance on epidemic control, Taiwan was still not invited to this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA). On this issue, Taiwanese Minister of Health Chen Shih-chung expressed that the WHO needs Taiwan. President Tsai Ing-wen also visited the Central Epidemic Command Center prior to her inauguration and invited the epidemic control team to attend the ceremony.
On the eve of May 20th, President Tsai Ing-wen personally visited the Central Epidemic Command Center to invite the national epidemic prevention team to the inauguration ceremony. She also brought in 10 types of “Tainan Good Noodles,” a gift from Huang Wei-cher, the mayor of Tainan.h
Tsai said: “(I brought in) ten kinds of ‘Tainan Good Noodles’ to show my gratitude to you all. May our epidemic prevention efforts be exhaustive in all aspects. Everyone here is a hero in the hearts of our people. I think, in fact, this noodle should later on be called ‘the Heroes’ Noodles.’”
In a video called “The Taiwan Model” it says: “People who are honest are braver than those who deceive themselves.” Tsai posted the video on Facebook on May 19, documenting the “Taiwan Model” in every part of society: “Many unsung heroes hold fast to their posts, the government and the people stood united to together protect Taiwan.” Though only 5 minutes long, the video has touched many netizens. The “Taiwan Model” also received great international recognition, however, Taiwan was still not invited to the World Health Assembly this year.
Tsai said, “The Secretariat of the WHO, under pressure, once again turned us down in inviting us to attend the WHA. I want to use this opportunity to seriously express my dissent. Taiwan will not give up its participation in international affairs just because it has been suppressed, and we will continue to work hard.”
Minister of Health Chen also added, “The WHO needs us. Many countries in the world, many leaders and representatives have said, it is not about pleading for Taiwan to join the WHO, but that the WHO also needs Taiwan. (Many) people have seen the Taiwan Model’s success,” in reference to U.S. Secretary of Health Alex Azar’s speech at the WHA in support of Taiwan’s participation. Chen said that the health of 23 million people should never be sacrificed for politics, and that despite the fact that Taiwan has not been able to enter the WHA for more than three years, the world has seen Taiwan’s efforts.
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