As of this Thursday Taiwan has not yet received an official invitation to this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA), according to Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源). This would mark the ninth consecutive year without, should Taiwan fail to receive an invitation prior to the assembly.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office says Taiwan’s participation in World Health Organization (WHO) activities must be handled in accordance with the country’s One China Principle, and claims Taiwan has no political basis for participating in the WHA.
In response, Chiu says Taiwan has the ability to contribute to the global healthcare system with its high quality medical care, and is eager to interact with countries around the world. Chiu highlighted Taiwan’s assistance to various countries, and stressed that all people should have the same health care opportunities.
The 78th WHA will convene on May 19 in Geneva, Switzerland. Chiu said he will form an action team to participate on behalf of Taiwan, and requested the human right of health not be affected by politics.