Health Without Borders: Support Taiwan’s Inclusion in WHO
Op-Ed by
H.E. Edward Ling-wen Tao,
Ambassador to the Saint Kitts and Nevis
As the international community confronts increasingly complex public health challenges, meaningful global cooperation has never been more important. Taiwan, a responsible and capable partner in global health, continues to seek participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and observer status at the World Health Assembly (WHA). Excluding Taiwan for political reasons not only undermines the spirit of universal health cooperation, but also weakens the world’s collective ability to respond to future health crises.
Taiwan’s Proven Contributions to Global Health
Taiwan possesses one of the world’s most advanced healthcare and public health systems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in epidemic prevention, medical coordination, and public health governance. Its experience showed how transparency, technology, and swift action can protect lives while maintaining social stability.
Beyond safeguarding its own population, Taiwan has consistently contributed to international medical and humanitarian efforts. Through donations of medical supplies, professional exchanges, and healthcare training programs, Taiwan has supported many partner countries around the world.
In March this year, a medical assistance team from Taipei Veterans General Hospital visited Saint Kitts and Nevis to provide medical services and strengthen bilateral healthcare cooperation. Taiwan and Saint Kitts and Nevis have also collaborated on mental health initiatives and professional exchanges, reflecting Taiwan’s holistic approach to healthcare.
These contributions demonstrate that Taiwan is not only willing, but also highly capable of contributing meaningfully to the international health community. Taiwan’s inclusion in the WHO framework would strengthen global disease prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms for the benefit of all nations.
Misuse of UN Resolution 2758 Should Not Exclude Taiwan
The People’s Republic of China frequently argues that Taiwan’s exclusion from international organizations is justified under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. However, this interpretation is misleading.
UNGA Resolution 2758 addressed the issue of China’s representation in the United Nations. It did not mention Taiwan, nor did it authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan or decide Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. Likewise, WHA Resolution 25.1 contains no statement asserting PRC sovereignty over Taiwan.
The future and representation of Taiwan should be determined by the democratic will of its 23.5 million people, represented by their democratically elected government. Attempts to distort international resolutions to politically isolate Taiwan only undermine the principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and cooperation that international organizations are meant to uphold.
Building a Stronger and More Inclusive WHO
Global health challenges do not recognize borders, political systems, or geography. Pandemics, emerging diseases, and public health emergencies require the participation and expertise of all responsible stakeholders.
Growing international support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHO reflects increasing recognition that excluding Taiwan creates unnecessary gaps in the global health network. Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHO and attendance at the upcoming 79th WHA as an observer would help ensure that no population is left behind in the global health system.
A stronger, more resilient WHO must be inclusive, pragmatic, and guided by the shared interests of humanity. For the sake of global health and well-being, Taiwan must not be sidelined from the international conversation. As the people of St. Kitts and Nevis have witnessed firsthand, Taiwan stands ready and willing to contribute its expertise, experience, and resources to the global community.