The World Health Assembly (WHA), the World Health Organization’s decision-making body, will meet later this month for its annual summit. Over 190 countries will be represented at the conference, but Taiwan will not be one of them. The reason for this is because China’s political pressure has prevented Taiwan, a nation of 23 million people, from joining the WHO. However, in the interest of global health, Taiwan must be allowed as an observer to the WHA.
The WHA is a platform for member nations to discuss global health challenges and make choices that have an impact on the health of people everywhere, not a political forum. It is essential that Taiwan be permitted to participate in the WHA as an observer in order to share its expertise with the international health community. The exclusion of Taiwan violates its right to health and runs counter to the ideals of universal health care and international health security.
This year, the Canadian government released a report entitled “Canada and Taiwan: A Strong Relationship in Uncertain Times.” Overall, the report emphasizes the significance of Canada’s relationship with Taiwan, which is founded on shared values, and recommends that the Canadian government work with allies to expand opportunities for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in multilateral organizations, such as the WHO.
There are numerous reasons why the international community should support Taiwan’s accession to the WHA in May 2023.
To begin with, the urgent need of global health collaboration. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of global health cooperation and the inclusion of all nations in the global health system. Taiwan was unable to contribute to global efforts to combat the pandemic due to its exclusion from the WHO. Allowing Taiwan to join the WHA in 2023 would immediately enhance global health security and demonstrate the commitment of the international community to global health cooperation.
Secondly, substantial global support. Over the past year, international support for Taiwan’s membership in the WHA has increased. Taiwan’s participation in the WHA is supported by major nations, including the United States, Japan, and the European Union. Recently, the G7 foreign ministers meeting in Japan has voiced support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHA and WHO. This expanding support indicates that the international community recognizes the significance of Taiwan’s public health and disease prevention expertise.
Thirdly, Taiwan’s effective response to COVID-19. Taiwan’s effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic has earned it international acclaim and recognition. With low infection rates and high vaccination rates, it has served as a model for effective public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically in the areas of epidemic prevention, early detection, and control measures, the island has valuable lessons to share with the global health community. Participation by Taiwan in the WHA would be advantageous for all member states, particularly in the face of any future pandemics.
Protecting the health of Taiwanese citizens is the last but not the least priority. Without access to the WHO’s global information network, Taiwan is disadvantaged in preventing and controlling infectious diseases. Taiwan has to count on the limited information supplied by other nations or obtained through unofficial channels. This endangers Taiwanese citizens and threatens global health security. By participating in the WHA, Taiwan can gain access to vital health information, such as emerging diseases and best health-care practices, which are essential for safeguarding its citizens’ health.
The time for world society to support Taiwan’s WHA membership has come. Aside from having an impact on Taiwanese health, Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHA jeopardizes the safety of global health systems. Taiwan’s involvement in the WHA would be advantageous for all of the other members, particularly in the fight against new diseases and global coordinated efforts for health.
Governments worldwide should defend Taiwan’s right to health and China should stop blockading Taiwan from joining the WHA. By doing this, the international community would show its dedication to bolstering Taiwan’s international presence and promoting health cooperation and security worldwide.