TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will make its utmost effort to attend the May 22-28 World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday (April 21).

China has for years succeeded in blocking Taiwan from attending the annual event in Geneva, Switzerland, though support for the latter's cause has markedly increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MOFA said Thursday it has already obtained much support for its cause from diplomatic allies and countries sharing similar ideals. In addition, it has coordinated with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to make its case through its offices overseas, by publishing letters in the press, and by posting video materials on social media, CNA reported.

MOFA thanked the World Medical Association (WMA) for addressing an open letter to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling for Taiwan to be granted observer status.

The COVID pandemic shows it is necessary and urgent for the country to participate in the global health community, MOFA Spokeswoman Joanne Ou (歐江安) said.