Premier Su urges Taiwan delegation in Geneva to do best in working out WHO deal

This article was published by the Taiwan Headlines on May 12, 2006. It reports that each year, the Foundation of Medical Professional Alliance in Taiwan and other private sector organizations send delegations to Geneva to try and obtain membership for Taiwan in the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly. The government recently lauded the determination of these groups and their unwillingness to give up.

The government further announced that it fully supports the efforts of these groups. It is hoped that in 2006, Taiwan's delegations in Geneva will have a successful journey and work to the best of their abilities in promoting and publicizing Taiwan's efforts to be allowed participation in the international organizations.

According to government officials, Taiwan has the ability to take care of its citizens and has learned many valuable lessons during the global outbreak of SARS several years ago. However, it is regrettable that because of China's interference, Taiwan is not able to share its experience in a timely manner with the rest of the world and to interact with international health organizations. This has prevented Taiwan from making a contribution to the global community.

Taiwan has been seeking entry to the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly since 1996. In recent years, the international community has increasingly encouraged Taiwan in its efforts, and more and more countries and agencies are calling for Taiwan to be allowed to participate in international health organizations. Both the United States and Japan have coast votes in favor of allowing Taiwan to participate in many technical conferences. These should help Taiwan in its attempt to gain observer status in the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly, and even to become a member. Indeed, formal entry to these organizations will enable Taiwan to participate in and make a contribution to health work and efforts throughout the world.