May 9, 2017
No.066
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its deep regret and dissatisfaction that, as of May 8, the ROC Ministry of Health and Welfare had not received an invitation from the World Health Organization Secretariat to the 70th World Health Assembly, and believes that, if the WHO bows to political pressure by denying Taiwan an invitation, it will not only be ignoring the Taiwanese people’s right to health, but also causing a severe breach in the world health system. MOFA calls on the WHO to seriously consider the requests for Taiwan’s inclusion made by many nations and international medical groups from every region in the world.
Furthermore, MOFA asks the WHO to recognize Taiwan’s longstanding contributions to public health, disease prevention, and the human right to health in the international community, as well as the healthcare partnerships it has formed with WHO member countries, and its importance as part of the global disease prevention system.
ROC Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung plans to lead a delegation to Geneva, where he hopes to engage directly with other national delegations and international medical groups through WHA participation, bilateral meetings, and side meetings and activities. The aim is to exchange views on international health issues and trends, as well as concerns over epidemics, so that global health security can be effectively safeguarded.
MOFA reiterates that inviting Taiwan to the WHA conforms to the WHO Charter and universal values of human rights. It would enable Taiwan to further contribute to the concerted efforts that the WHO and all nations are making to achieve Goal 3 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages. MOFA exhorts the WHO to accept that there is broad support in the international community for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHA.
MOFA sincerely appreciates the support that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has received from like-minded countries such as the United States, Japan, Canada, and those in Europe, its diplomatic allies, other friendly nations, as well as local and international groups, over its participation in the 70th WHA, and is grateful for the concrete actions taken to request that the WHO invite Taiwan. (E)
