TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said Monday that he will lead a delegation to Geneva to take part in World Health Assembly-related activities.
Speaking at a foreign ministry press conference on the WHA, Shih said it is regrettable that Taiwan still has not received a formal invitation to attend the annual meeting, per CNA. He said that as the world faces numerous threats and challenges, Taiwan should not be absent from the WHA and must advocate its participation more actively.
Shih said Taiwan will host four large professional forums during this year’s WHA to exchange experiences with other countries. Discussions will focus on cancer treatment, global digital transformation trends, healthcare resilience, supply chain issues following the Russia-Ukraine war, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shih emphasized that he appreciated the foreign ministry’s plans to organize the WHA Taiwan Smart Healthcare and Health Industry Exhibition during the WHA. The exhibition will help the world understand that Taiwan produces semiconductors and can transform technological expertise into solutions that improve healthcare quality and efficiency, he said.
Asked whether like-minded countries would continue supporting Taiwan after the US withdrew from the World Health Organization, Shih said the US remains a steadfast partner of Taiwan. He said that since taking office, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed support for Taiwan through various channels.
Shih said the number of countries supporting Taiwan continues to grow each year, and that like-minded nations are actively advocating on Taiwan’s behalf. “The strength of international support has not weakened because the US is absent,” he said.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said that although Taiwan is not a member of the WHO, it continues to contribute to global health efforts.
The 79th World Health Assembly will open next Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.
