On Friday morning, the Taiwan Medical Association and 20 other major healthcare organizations held a press conference urging the international community and the WHO to uphold the principle behind this year’s theme, “One World for Health,” and not exclude Taiwan from the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA).
The 2025 WHA is scheduled to take place on May 19 in Geneva, Switzerland. Taiwan has yet to receive an invitation, putting the island on track for a ninth consecutive year of exclusion. Taiwan Medical Association President Dr. Chou Ching-ming (周慶明) pointed out that one of the WHO’s policy goals adopted at last year’s WHA focuses on expanding global healthcare coverage. Taiwan, he noted, has already achieved this with a universal health insurance system covering 99.9% of its population. He emphasized that the purpose of the press conference is to call on the WHO and the global community to allow Taiwan the chance to contribute to international health development.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Office of International Cooperation Director-General Shih Chin-shui (施金水) said Taiwan’s WHA delegation is scheduled to arrive in Geneva on May 17. Upon arrival, the delegation will launch a series of activities, including meetings with representatives from at least 40 countries. Although recent travel budget cuts have reduced the number of accompanying experts by around ten, the ministry is committed to maintaining last year’s level of engagement and securing more international support for Taiwan.