President Tsai meets Katherine Commale, a US fund raiser for Nothing But Nets campaign
On the morning of June 15, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by Ms. Katherine Commale, a fund raiser for the Nothing But Nets anti-malaria campaign. The president expressed hope that Taiwan can collaborate with Katherine to help humankind combat malaria.
In her remarks, President Tsai first extended a warm welcome to Katherine and her family. The president stated that before they came to the Presidential Office, she took some time to look over their wonderful family story again. She noted that over ten years ago, a little girl, just five years old, was inspired by a public television documentary, and decided to raise funds for mosquito nets to protect millions of children in Africa from malaria. This is a story about extraordinary compassion, courage, and the power of action, said the president.
There were many students on hand who are active in public service campaigns, President Tsai stated, adding that like Katherine, they're using compassion, courage, and action to explore possibilities for change. The president then cited a few examples, including the "No Discrimination" campaign at Taichung's Jiangong Elementary School, efforts to clean up the rubbish polluting our oceans at Kaohsiung's Lin Yuan Elementary School, and the students at XinTian Education in New Taipei City who are going out into the streets to help the homeless. She then expressed hope that all the students on hand will keep the same beliefs, help other people, and create change for a better society.
The president also shared with Katherine a story about how Taiwan conquered malaria. Half a century ago, she said, malaria was a serious challenge in Taiwan. Fortunately, Taiwan had a group of outstanding public health professionals, including Dr. Lien Jih-ching (連日清), also known as "Dr. Mosquito." That group set up a comprehensive epidemic prevention system and as a result, by 1965 the World Health Organization announced that Taiwan was the first country to eliminate malaria. And since then, Taiwan hasn't had a single indigenous case.
President Tsai further pointed out that just like our predecessors, Taiwan still has a passion for public health and research. So we continue to participate in malaria prevention and treatment projects in areas like Africa and the South Pacific. Unfortunately, she said, our diplomatic space is limited, and that limits our ability to share our experience and expertise in preventing and treating malaria. Nevertheless, Taiwan will never give up any opportunity to contribute to the world. The president hopes that in the future, teams from Taiwan can collaborate with Katherine in Africa, and all over the world, to help humankind combat malaria.
Ms. Katherine Commale then said that her own story starts when she was five years old and learned that every 30 seconds a child died from malaria in Africa, making her feel frustrated, confused, and sad. Luckily, she said, the solution to such a complicated problem is so simple. One US$10 bed net can not only save a child, but an entire family from malaria. So she saw a clear and direct path between the issue and the solution and got right to work.
Katherine also stated that her parents always support her. She and her mother became spokespeople for Nothing But Nets, and over the past 12 years, some of the highlights have included attending a World Malaria Day event with former President George W. Bush at the White House, working with former President Bill Clinton on the Clinton Global Initiative, and attending the United Methodist conferences. But most of all, she added, the best part of her work has been being invited to Taiwan to speak at the HERO Talks the previous day. She then said she hopes her time here will inspire the children of Taiwan to take their spirit of service a step further. In closing, Katherine expressed her sincere gratitude for the support from Taiwan and its people.
Guests also included Ms. Chen Mei-ling (陳美鈴), Chief Executive of Operation of the Maria Social Welfare Foundation; and Mr. K. T. Hao (郝廣才), Founder of the Grimm Press.