Office of the President's response to Taiwan's lack of invitation to this year's WHA
We express our strong disappointment and displeasure following Taiwan's lack of invitation to this year's World Health Assembly (WHA). We call on the World Health Organization (WHO) to recognize the fact that Taiwan is an integral part of the global disease prevention system and that the 23 million people of Taiwan have an inalienable right to equal treatment in health. A large number of countries and international health organizations have made their support clear.
Health is a human right, and disease prevention transcends national borders. We have repeatedly called attention to the fact that the WHO exists for the health and welfare of every person in the world. As a member of the international community, the people of Taiwan have the right to participate in international health-related events and activities, including those under the WHO. Given Taiwan's continued contributions to global health and disease prevention, Taiwan should not become a gap in the global disease prevention network.
Measures to exclude or even suppress Taiwan in the WHA contravene the very founding principles of the WHO. They are also unfair to the people of Taiwan and have negative implications on global health and disease prevention.
In the past weeks, many countries and international health organizations have given their support and assistance for Taiwan. We are particularly grateful to the United States, Japan, Canada, European countries, and other like-minded countries, as well as diplomatic allies that have spoken in support for Taiwan's participation.