An international workshop on laboratory diagnosis for enteroviruses staged under the Taiwan-U.S. Global Cooperation and Training Framework got underway April 23 in Taipei City.
 
Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and American Institute in Taiwan, the four-day event brings together 27 experts from 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific for discussions on best practices and the latest developments.
 
Highlights include lectures by health experts from Japan and the U.S., as well as demonstration of an EV-71 rapid test kit developed by Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control under the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
 
During the opening ceremony, MOFA Deputy Minister Francois Chih-chung Wu said the workshop underscores Taiwan’s determination to contribute to controlling infectious diseases across the region.
 
By sharing and exchanging information in an open and timely fashion, as well as establishing cross-border networks, the health of the people can be safeguarded and prosperity advanced for the benefit of all, he added.
 
According to the MOHW, strengthening the capacity for diagnosing enteroviruses and sharing epidemic management resources among New Southbound Policy countries is one of the government’s top priorities.
 
A key plank in President Tsai Ing-wen’s national development strategy, the New Southbound Policy seeks to deepen agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 ASEAN member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
 
In response, AIT Director Kin Moy said the U.S. considers Taiwan to be a “vital partner, a democratic success story and a force for good in the world.” GCTF initiatives such as the workshop demonstrate why Taiwan should be welcomed as part of the solution to global challenges, he added.
 
The U.S. has consistently supported Taiwan’s participation as an observer in the annual World Health Assembly—the decision-making body of the World Health Organization—and in technical meetings, Moy said. It remains committed to advancing close cooperation with Taiwan across the spectrum of public health issues, he added.
 
Launched in June 2015, GCTF is a Taiwan-U.S. platform for addressing global and regional challenges. To date, the two sides have co-hosted 11 capacity-building programs in areas spanning digital economy, energy security, public health and women’s empowerment, involving over 200 experts and officials from 32 countries in the region, according to the MOFA. (SFC-E)

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