Taipei: President Lai Ching-te emphasized Taiwan's unwavering determination to join the World Health Organization (WHO) and participate in the World Health Assembly (WHA), despite financial constraints and the U.S. decision to withdraw from the organization. Addressing a reception for the WHA Action Team in Geneva, Lai highlighted Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding the health rights of its 23 million citizens and contributing to global welfare.
According to Focus Taiwan, Lai reiterated Taiwan's goal to participate in the WHO and WHA as an observer, underscoring the nation's readiness to enhance global public health. Although Taiwan was not invited to attend this year's WHA assembly from May 19-27, the WHA Action Team, led by Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-, actively engaged with other countries to support Taiwan's bid. Despite a reduced budget leading to a smaller team, the delegation conducted over 40 bilateral meetings, international forums, and news conferences to increase Taiwan's international presence.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) further demonstrated Taiwan's determination by signing memoranda of understanding with Geneva University Hospitals and the International Hospital Federation. Since 1972, Taiwan has been excluded from the WHA due to pressure from Beijing, except for the period between 2009 and 2015, when it participated as an observer under "Chinese Taipei" during a time of warmer relations with China.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Taiwan received backing from 11 diplomatic allies and 15 like-minded countries, including Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, and Israel. Although the U.S., set to leave the WHO in January 2026, did not send a delegation to the assembly, American officials in Geneva closely monitored Taiwan's bid, indicating continued support.
For the first time, MOFA hosted a smart healthcare application conference on the WHA assembly's sidelines, showcasing innovations from Taiwanese firms such as Acer Medical and Quanta Computer. During the event, several international media outlets published articles and commentaries supporting Taiwan's bid, as submitted by the MOHW and Taiwan's representative offices.
MOFA pledged to maintain collaboration with the MOHW and domestic private sector partners to spotlight Taiwan's healthcare contributions and secure broader international support. The Republic of China (Taiwan) was expelled from the WHO in 1972 after losing its U.N. seat to the People's Republic of China.