ROC (Taiwan) Seeks Support Among Diplomatic Allies For Inclusion In World Health Assembly

The Republic of China (Taiwan) has not been invited to attend the 70th World Health Assembly this year. Nonetheless, it has the obligation-and its citizens have the right-to participate in discussions on global health and disease prevention issues, a fact that is reflected in the worldwide support Taiwan has received. The statement is issued by the Ministry of Foreign affairs to highlight the situation and seek cooperation among the member nation and allies to intervene against the unjust move and submit proposals to the World Health Organization endorsing Taiwan's participation. "The ROC(Taiwan) government takes global health cooperation very seriously, and is determined to play a role in international epidemic control efforts", Ministry further clarifies.

In response, Taiwan's diplomatic allies in every region of the world have sent letters to Dr. Margaret Chan, the WHO director-general, requesting that a proposal to invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer be included in the Assembly's May 22-31 agenda.

This initiative is predicated on protecting not only the right to health of Taiwan's citizens, but the health and welfare of all peoples. Responding to the support received so far from the international community, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciated the nation's diplomatic allies beside backing and encouragement.

Taiwan urges the WHO and its members to recognise its importance as an indispensable part of the global disease prevention system, to respect the right to health of its 23 million people, and to support its participation in the WHA as an observer.

In the past, India has played a crucial role in the objective manner and stood firmly to vindicate such a stance and that has been the grand tradition of international outreach. A specialized agency like WHO assimilates the very foundation of universal health and is concerned with task of global response in public health the among all. Excluding Taiwan in the World Health Assembly, is a move that goes the far from the basic charter of not taking account of millions of people living in Taiwan. India must align with this objectivity and act as per the set standard.