Taipei, Aug. 25 (CNA) If Taiwan can enter the World Health Organization, it will definitely help the world fight severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Vice President Annette Lu said Monday.
Lu made the remarks when she met Rosa Lopez Garnica, chairwoman of the health committee of the Senate, and Maria Isabel San Baldomero, chairwoman of joint committees on women's rights of the Senate and Congress from Spain.
Lu noted that as the world turned its focus on the U.S.-led attacks against Iraq in March, Taiwan was being hard hit over the following two months by the potential deadly respiratory disease which claimed 84 lives in Taiwan.
Lu noted that Taiwan experienced "panic and helplessness" in dealing with the unexpected foe, not knowing where the virus came from. "Such an experience will be hard for those who have never experienced it to understand," she said.
Lu noted that SARS could resurface in the winter, and if Taiwan is admitted into the WHO, she believes that Taiwan can contribute a great deal to the global fight against the potentially deadly disease.
On issues concerning women's rights, Lu, who herself is a women's right campaigner, said that great strides have been made since she first campaigned for gender equality in 1971.
Lu cited herself as an example, saying that she is the first woman vice president through popular election in Taiwan. She also said that nearly one quarter of the Cabinet, and 22 percent of the lawmakers are women and that women also shine brilliantly in every walk of life in Taiwan.
Lopez said that her visit was mainly to understand how Taiwan dealt with SARS. As SARS is not confined to one place, and no one can escape it, she supports Taiwan's bid to join the WHO, especially because it is unjust to exclude Taiwan when the island performs well in every area.
San Baldomero also spoke on issues concerning domestic violence, the working rights of women and women's health with the vice president.