Let Taiwan participate in WHO

MANILA, Philippines - Next month, the annual World Health Assembly convenes in Geneva. As it has done every year since 1997, Taiwan will once again seek to participate in the World Health Assembly as an observer. We believe our participation in WHO is crucial as this will ensure the health rights of our 23 million people.

There are three compelling reasons why Taiwan deserves to be granted observership status in the WHA.

First, it is consistent with current WHO practice. The WHO Constitution as well as the WHA Rules of Procedure clearly stipulate that a non-member state which has filed an application for membership or which has signed but not yet ratified the WHO Constitution, and a territory which has filed an application for associate membership, may be invited to attend the WHA as an observer. At present, there are six observers in the WHA, which include nation-states, entities and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) such as the Red Cross and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer would fulfill the spirit of universal participation enshrined in the WHO Constitution.

Second, it would help strengthen the global health system. In the first place, Taiwan’s role as a key sea and air transport hub in Asia-Pacific makes it vulnerable to epidemics. Recall that the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 led to its rapid spread to over 27 countries within a few months, taking the lives of over 800 people. According to a WHO study, ease of transportation between countries was the main factor facilitating the spread. Taiwan considers both the sharing of information and more active measures to prevent and control epidemics as essential to protect human health.

And third, as a WHA observer, Taiwan can contribute significantly to the international community. Taiwan has already eradicated on the home front numerous transmittable diseases, such as malaria, smallpox and polio. It also has set a precedent in Asia by establishing the region’s first national health insurance system. Taiwan possesses advanced medical standards and desires to contribute to the international community. Thus, it can participate in cross-border medical assistance and cooperative efforts with other countries under the WHO framework.

New diseases, like SARS and avian influenza, are emerging at an unprecedented rate. Moreover, globalization, technological advancements, climate change, the spread of unhealthy lifestyles, and easy movement of people and commodities could impact on the health of human beings everywhere. Since the WHO is the most influential multilateral forum that handles healthcare issues confronting the international community and is dedicated to the goal of “health for all,” it should give Taiwan the right to participate in its activities.

Granting Taiwan WHA observer status should not be seen as a political issue. It is a practical one that protects Taiwan’s right to fully participate in WHO-related mechanisms, meetings and activities. Taiwan’s inclusion will benefit all parties concerned: Taiwan, the WHO and the international community.

We ask for the support of the Filipino people in this effort. While Taiwan has succeeded in gaining firm support from our diplomatic allies as well as from the US, Japan, European Union and Canada for meaningful participation in the WHO, we urge other countries to help us so that together, we can better safeguard the health security of all mankind. —WELLINGTON WEI, Director, Press Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, 41st Floor, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City