PROMOTING TAIWAN:
The action team will hold four forums during the WHA to serve as platforms for exchanges with health experts from other nations.
By Lee I-chia / Staff reporter
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Welfare jointly announced yesterday that a “Taiwan Action Team,” a Taiwanese delegation led by Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang, will travel to Switzerland on Friday to promote Taiwan’s smart healthcare and global health contributions on the sidelines of this year’s annual World Health Assembly (WHA). Shih said that the 79th annual WHA—the world’s leading healthcare event—is being held in Geneva from Monday to Saturday next week, but it is regrettable that Taiwan has not yet received a formal invitation this year. He stated that as the world faces growing threats and challenges, including aging populations, rising incidents of chronic diseases, newly emerged infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance, Taiwan should not be excluded, but should instead more proactively participate in addressing them.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, front row, center, and Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang, front row, fifth from the left, gesture along with officials and members of Taiwan’s medical and health industry delegation at a news conference in Taipei yesterday.
Photo: Bonnie White, Taipei Times
Shih said that he and Ambassador-at-large Wu Yung-tung, president of the Taiwan Medical Association, who has continuously strived for Taiwan’s inclusion in the WHA for 28 years, will lead a delegation of ministry officials. During the WHA, the action team will hold four forums to serve as platforms for exchanges with health experts from around the world, highlighting Taiwan’s success in achieving the WHO’s goals for eliminating hepatitis C, cancer prevention, smart medicine, and healthcare resilience.
“We want the world to know that Taiwan not only has [semiconductor] chips, but also real solutions that can improve healthcare quality and efficacy,” he said, adding that an exhibition will be held near the WHA venue, with participation from members of Taiwan’s medical groups and healthcare industry.
The logo of the WHO at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, is pictured in an undated photograph.
Photo: Reuters
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung said the slogan of this year’s WHA Action Team is: “WHO cares? Taiwan cares,” with the logo “Chip in with TAIWAN.” Taiwan has been excluded from the WHA for the 10th consecutive year, but “we believe we cannot passively wait, but should actively demonstrate” the nation’s global healthcare contributions, Lin said. “Leaving no one behind” is the WHO’s spirit, but it has consistently violated it, he said, adding that it is not only a loss for Taiwan, but a greater loss for the world. In addition to the forums and exhibition, previous efforts for Taiwan’s participation—such as official proposals by Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, letters to the WHO secretary-general, and two-on-two debates over the issue of Taiwan’s inclusion—will also be held in Geneva. When asked if he might visit Geneva with the WHA Action Team this year, Lin said there is such a plan and that it will be publicized if finalized. The Taiwan Smart Medical & HealthTech Expo will be held at Hotel President Wilson, Geneva, from Sunday to Tuesday next week, featuring 30 groups representing Taiwan’s medical institutions, smart healthcare equipment manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies. The expo will showcase Taiwan’s world-class capabilities across three core themes: smart, innovative, and resilient healthcare.