Taiwan gathers unprecedented support for inclusion in the 76th World Health Assembly

Published by [email protected] at May 24, 2023

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Posted: Wednesday, May 24, 2023. 4:23 am CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: In a sweeping display of unity, numerous diplomatic allies and like-minded nations have championed the cause for Taiwan’s integration into the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA), as confirmed by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

This year’s WHA, which kick-started on Monday, May 22, and is scheduled to conclude on May 30, observed an exceptional rise in advocacy for Taiwan on Tuesday, May 23. A band of nine countries, namely Guatemala, Belize, Nauru, Eswatini, Paraguay, the Marshall Islands, Haiti, Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia, fervently expressed their support for Taiwan.

This group of countries propelled the demand for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO) and WHA, citing Taiwan’s ability to fortify global health security, particularly showcased through their successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adding to this call for inclusion, influential nations such as Japan, the U.K., Australia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Germany, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, France, Canada, the U.S., and Estonia also endorsed Taiwan. They stressed the pressing need for inclusivity, depoliticization, and committed participation from all associated entities in worldwide health discussions.

In response to this tide of international endorsement, MOFA expressed its gratitude. Furthermore, the ministry assured that Taiwan would persist in its close cooperation with diplomatic allies and like-minded countries to “build a more resilient global public health system, ensuring the health, well-being, and safety of all humanity.”

Despite this immense backing, Taiwan has not been included in this year’s WHA, reflecting a continuation of the exclusion it has faced since 2016 following the election of President Tsai Ing-wen, which is largely attributed to objections from China.

Prior to the WHA, a significant event unfolded as 12 out of Taiwan’s 13 diplomatic allies penned letters to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urging for Taiwan’s involvement in the health assembly.

In a parallel effort, Taiwan’s Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan led a delegation to Geneva, Switzerland, with the aim of liaising with other country representatives to highlight Taiwan’s indispensable contributions to global health and rally further support for their inclusion in future health assemblies.

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