The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA), organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 27 to June 1. This year’s motto is “All for Health, Health for All.” 

Health is a human right, and disease prevention is an issue that transcends geographical and ideological boundaries. We must be clear in stating that, as a member of the international community, the people of Taiwan have the right to participate in international events and activities related to global health.  

The theme “All for Health, Health for All” implies that no society, people, or group should be excluded from this right, least of all for political reasons. For years, despite support from the international community, Taiwan has not been invited to participate in the WHA as an observer. This constitutes a violation not only towards a country but against the health of all people.  

Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.” Likewise, the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man Article 11 states: “Every person has the right to the preservation of his health through sanitary and social measures relating to food, clothing, housing and medical care, to the extent permitted by public and community resources.”  

The decision taken by the WHO contradicts its constitution, which states: “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition. The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent on the fullest co-operation of individuals and States.”  

We must emphasize that a human rights-based analysis of the health of all people must be based on the non-discrimination of individuals. Political criterion cannot discriminate in a norm established by international law.  

The WHO’s Council on the Economics of Health for All has found that at least 140 countries recognize health as a fundamental human right in their national constitutions. In this regard, Taiwan has worked to achieve universal health coverage and improve the quality of health care in line with WHO recommendations. This sister Asian nation has effectively integrated and allocated social welfare resources to strengthen its social safety net. 

However, the health of the 23 million people in Taiwan is being ignored by the WHO for political reasons. I echo Taiwan’s health minister, who said the country’s contributions to global public health must be recognized.  

The WHO should adopt a more open-minded and flexible policy to include all the world’s inhabitants, including Taiwan, in “All for Health, Health for All.”