Advocating for Taiwan’s Meaningful Participation in global health network.

By Director-General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Brisbane, Mr William Fan.

Brisbane, April 17 (MCCQ Newsdesk, Press Release)

Taiwan has the world class medical systems, facilities and services. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to exclude Taiwan from participating for political reasons. We need a global health network that belongs to all of us equally; Taiwan is always here and always can help!

Over past few decades, Taiwanese community in Queensland has been making significant contributions to the Queensland health system, highlighting the importance of Taiwan’s role in the global health system.

Taiwan Can Help, and Taiwan is Helping!

One remarkable event showcasing this dedication is the annual medical and dental team organized by the Tzu-Chi Foundation Brisbane, Queensland. During the Easter holiday this year, when most Queenslanders enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and celebrating the long weekend holiday with families and friends, approximately 140 volunteers sacrificed their holiday and provided essential medical and dental services to the residents of Tara, a town located four hours west of Brisbane.

Since 2007, the Tzu-Chi Foundation has been conducting this event, eagerly awaited by the locals. In 2024 alone, the team administered a total of 707 treatments, ranging from dental care to traditional medicine and physiotherapy. Particularly impactful is the fabrication of dentures, restoring smiles to those who lack teeth, a service that deeply touches the hearts of the community.

Furthermore, the Taiwanese community has forged significant partnerships in the healthcare sector. In 2021, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Taiwan Adventist Hospital (TAH) and Mater Group, marking the first sister hospital relationship between Taiwan and Queensland. This collaboration aims to enhance medical research, education, and patient care, benefiting both countries. The MOU commits both parties to work together more closely towards our common goal, the pursuit

Taiwan has been proactive in international cooperation efforts against COVID-19.

The harrowing process of combating the SARS epidemic in 2003 was a crucial experience for Taiwan to reevaluate our epidemic preparedness efforts. As the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world in 2019, Taiwan was not only well-prepared, managing to strike a balance between epidemic control and economic development, but also continually provided vital assistance, including masks, isolation gowns, thermometers, and other medical equipment and pandemic prevention materials to over 80 countries in need severely affected by the pandemic. Collaborations with international partners, such as the United States, the European Union and Australia, underscore Taiwan's commitment to combating global health threats. This of a better healthcare of people from Queensland and Taiwan.

Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taiwanese community in Queensland also launched a charity campaign in 2022, providing free lunch boxes to frontline healthcare workers in recognition of their dedication and sacrifice. This initiative, spanning major hospitals across Queensland, not only supports the local medical workforce but also exemplifies the spirit of solidarity during challenging times.

Taiwanese community in Queensland has consistently demonstrated our commitment to global health initiatives and continues to play a crucial role in advancing healthcare, both locally and internationally. Their contributions not only improve the well-being of individuals in need but also strengthen the global health system. As allies in the pursuit of better healthcare, Taiwan’s expertise and generosity serve as a beacon of hope in challenging times.

Taiwan has been proactive in international cooperation efforts against COVID-19. The harrowing process of combating the SARS epidemic in 2003 was a crucial experience for Taiwan to reevaluate our epidemic preparedness efforts. As the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world in 2019, Taiwan was not only well-prepared, managing to strike a balance between epidemic control and economic development, but also continually provided vital assistance, including masks, isolation gowns, thermometers, and other medical equipment and pandemic prevention materials to over 80 countries in need severely affected by the pandemic.

Collaborations with international partners, such as the United States, the European Union and Australia, underscore Taiwan’s commitment to combating global health threats. This known as “Taiwan Miracle” has garnered international recognition and admiration during the pandemic.

Despite of Taiwan’s significant contributions to known as “Taiwan Miracle” has garnered international recognition and admiration during the pandemic.

Despite of Taiwan's significant contributions to the global health system and the widespread support from the international community, it remains sidelined and excluded by the World Health Organization (WHO) . Taiwan’s participation in WHO remains limited and a gap for global health security challenges.

World Health Organization (WHO), the main international organization defending the right to health for all, leads global development of public health continues to exclude Taiwan due to unreasonable political considerations. This exclusion undermines the principles of universality and human rights upheld by the WHO, particularly the commitment to "No one left behind." It hampers the WHO's ability to fulfill our mandate professionally and neutrally, disregarding the urgent necessity and the broad international support for Taiwan's participation. The WHO's inaction not only imperils the health rights of Taiwan's 23 million citizens but also poses a significant threat to global health security, resulting in profound repercussions.

Health for All, Taiwan can Help

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of international cooperation. All stakeholders in public health, Taiwan included, must unite to effectively respond to global threats to public health. A collective effort is necessary to achieve health for all. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan’s healthcare and public health the global health system and the widespread support from the international community, it remains sidelined and excluded by the World Health Organization (WHO) Taiwan’s participation in WHO remains limited and a gap for global health security challenges. systems are in sync with the WHO’s objectives, striving for universal health coverage and the advancement of global public health and safety. Taiwan stands ready to contribute our expertise and resources to global health efforts.

World Health Organization (WHO), the main international organization defending the right to health for all, leads global development of public health continues to exclude Taiwan due to unreasonable political considerations. This exclusion undermines the principles of universality and human rights upheld by the WHO, particularly the commitment to “No one left behind.” It hampers the WHO’s ability to fulfill our mandate professionally and neutrally, disregarding the urgent necessity and the broad international support for Taiwan’s participation. The WHO’s inaction not only imperils the health rights of Taiwan’s 23 million citizens but also poses a significant threat to global health security, resulting in profound repercussions.

Time to include Taiwan in WHO and the WHA

Taiwan, a sovereign state with a democratically elected government, represents the 23 million people of Taiwan. It is crucial that Taiwan’s voice is heard in discussions and decisions regarding global health policies and initiatives. Taiwan remains firmly committed to our professional and pragmatic approach and to robust engagement with the global health security network and collaboration with WHO to strengthen the resilience of the global health system.

Taiwan advocates for pragmatic and constructive participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) and World Health Organization (WHO).

We call upon the WHO Secretariat to adhere to professionalism and neutrality, recognize Taiwan’s rightful position in the WHA and other relevant activities and mechanisms of the WHO, including participation in the Pandemic Agreement. It is only through inclusivity and collaboration that we can effectively address the health challenges facing our world today.