Letter to the Editor: A Call for Taiwan’s inclusion in the 78th World Health Assembly

Dear Editor,

The 78th World Health Assembly, the most important annual forum on global health, will take place from 19 to 27 May, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Despite its advanced technology and significant public health expertise, Taiwan remains excluded from the international health system due to China’s continued obstruction.

Taiwan is both able and willing to contribute to the global community.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Taiwan proved the strength of its epidemic prevention system and its deep commitment to public health. Separately, Taiwan has gained extensive experience in international medical assistance, donating critical supplies and offering comprehensive training to healthcare professionals in partner countries, including the Philippines.

These ongoing efforts reflect Taiwan’s strong public health infrastructure and medical capacity.

Take diabetes, for instance, one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines. Taiwan has long invested in the prevention, screening, early diagnosis, intervention and self-management of this disease.

Through support in primary healthcare, capacity-building and public health education, Taiwan helps its diplomatic allies bolster resilience against diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases.

Taiwan also possesses advanced medical capabilities and a long-standing record of providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

In October 2024, for example, following the devastation of tropical storm “Trami” in the Philippines, Taiwan donated 500 tons of rice, vital relief goods, and $150,000 to assist in recovery efforts.

Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHA is both unjustified and detrimental to global public health.

The World Health Organization, by denying participation to Taiwan, compromises the right to health of 23.5 million Taiwanese people.

More broadly, it undermines its own mission of building a comprehensive and inclusive global health framework, especially in preparing for and responding to future health emergencies.

China has distorted the intent of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1 to block Taiwan from participating in WHO mechanisms.

However, neither resolution mentions Taiwan, nor do they authorize the People’s Republic of China to represent Taiwan in the United Nations or its agencies.

These resolutions are irrelevant to the matter of Taiwan’s representation. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can speak for its people in international institutions.

We urge the WHO and all relevant stakeholders to recognize Taiwan’s vital contributions to global health and uphold the fundamental human right to health.

A more open, professional and inclusive approach is urgently needed.

With our geographic proximity and cultural closeness, Taiwan and the Philippines are natural partners and enduring friends. While Taiwanese people embody the spirit of sharing and caring, Filipinos uphold bayanihan, a tradition of unity, trust, and mutual support. I therefore offer the word Taiwanihan as a symbol of our shared values and enduring friendship.

Please join us in supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Assembly — so that Taiwan may continue to help, and contribute, to the world.

Sincerely,

Amb. Wallace Minn-Gan Chow

Representative Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines