Taiwan protests over lack of invitation to WHA

2022/05/24

The government and people of Taiwan are deeply discontented over the country’s exclusion from the 75th World Health Assembly taking place May 22-28 in Geneva, according to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health and Welfare.
 
The World Health Organization has once again failed to uphold the principles of neutrality and professionalism and ignored prevailing international calls for Taiwan to take part in its annual gathering as an observer, the MOFA and MOHW said in two statements released in the lead up to the event.
 
Access to health is a fundamental human right and COVID-19 has further demonstrated that cooperation and unity are the only way to fight the pandemic, the ministries said. It is regrettable that the WHO has continued to disregard the rights of Taiwan’s 23.5 million people, they added.
 
The ministries said a delegation led by Deputy Health Minister Li-Feng Lee is in Geneva to share the country’s expertise in handling the pandemic and its experience in promoting an equal, resilient and sustainable society, despite the lack of an invitation.
 
In addition to holding in-depth discussions with international health officials and professionals, the delegation will organize other events showcasing how Taiwan can contribute to the WHA’s theme of “Health for Peace, Peace for Health.”
 
The ministries thanked the international community for standing with Taiwan and supporting its bid to take part in the first physical WHA since the onset of the pandemic.
 
The sheer magnitude of recent backing bears testament to the fact that the world recognizes the legitimacy of Taiwan’s WHO participation, the ministries said, adding that the country will continue striving to join global endeavors promoting the WHO’s goal of Health for All. 


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)