TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF), which is the foreign ministry’s aid agency, and the Sovereign Order of Malta signed a cooperation agreement in Geneva on Sunday to train 250 medical personnel to assist about 3,000 Ukrainians affected by the war, CNA reported.
TaiwanICDF said the partnership aims to support Ukrainians seriously injured in the Russia-Ukraine war and their families by strengthening rehabilitation and social support as part of broader humanitarian relief efforts.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attended the signing ceremony, highlighting Taiwan’s efforts to engage in international affairs. Lin and Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) led a delegation to Geneva on Sunday ahead of the six-day World Health Assembly, which runs through Saturday, despite Taiwan being excluded from the participant list for the past 10 consecutive years.
On Sunday, Lin said the ministry held a Taiwan medical and health technology exhibition in Geneva. He noted that although Taiwan is unable to participate in the WHA this year, it is demonstrating its capacity to contribute to global health care practices.
Taiwan showcased smart health care, elderly care, and AI-powered medical applications at the event, which featured about 30 Taiwanese medical institutions.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan has contributed more than NT$4.8 billion (US$150 million) and worked with European partners, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and non-governmental organizations, on humanitarian aid, infrastructure reconstruction, and medical support, Lin added.
TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary-General Stephen Lee (李志宏) said the partnership will strengthen Taiwan’s cooperation with the Sovereign Order of Malta. The foreign ministry said it has donated funds through Taiwan’s embassy to the Holy See to support the order’s global medical programs.
Lin urged the World Health Organization to ensure that global health participation is not affected by political interference. He said Taiwan’s assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and its long-term medical cooperation with international partners demonstrate it is an important part of the global health system.
