TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will continue to seek participation in the World Health Assembly, Health Minister Shih Chong-liang (石崇良) said on Wednesday.
The global health body’s importance and functionality as a platform for professional exchanges on public health and related medical issues remain irreplaceable for now, Shih said at a legislative meeting, CNA reported.
Despite not being able to join official meetings, Taiwan can engage directly with international public health and technical officials on the sidelines, he said. These interactions are highly beneficial for Taiwan in aligning with international standards and sharing experience in epidemic prevention, medical regulations, and public health measures.
“We will continue to invest in these activities,” Shih said. Taiwan will also continue organize delegations to connect with representatives from other countries, ensuring that it is not absent from global public health discussions, he added.
Taiwan held observer status in the WHA from 2009 to 2016, when then-President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) took office. It has since been excluded from these meetings.
