TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Deputy Health Minister Lue Jen-der (呂建德) said Wednesday Taiwan will hold events in Geneva to showcase its medical strengths and seek a wider role in global health.
CNA reported that the World Health Assembly (WHA) will open next Monday in Geneva. Taiwan has not been invited because of political issues, but Taiwan officials and medical groups will still hold side events during the meeting.
Lue said Taiwan will use the events to showcase its health care achievements. He said Taiwan should not only seek international support, but also show why global health work needs Taiwan.
“Taiwan’s national health insurance covers almost all residents,” Lue said. He also said Taiwan is expected to eliminate hepatitis C this year, five years ahead of the World Health Organization’s target.
Taiwan will work with 31 hospitals, medical groups, and health companies during the week of the WHA, Lue said. They will present Taiwan’s progress in smart medicine, precision health care, medical technology, and AI, per Liberty Times.
Officials are also planning a joint event between the health ministry and foreign ministry. Lue said the event will show that Taiwan can make real contributions to global health.
Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu (吳志中) said Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) is expected to attend the joint event. He said the foreign ministry is also arranging for Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) to take part in some activities, per UDN.
Wu said Taiwan gained more confidence after its COVID response. He said excluding Taiwan from the World Health Organization hurts global disease prevention.
Wu also said only Taiwan’s elected government can represent Taiwan internationally. He said past UN and WHA resolutions did not mention Taiwan and should not be used to block Taiwan from global health bodies.
