The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the World Health Organization to clarify misrepresentations made in a March 29 statement regarding Taiwan’s role combating COVID-19.
Although the WHO correctly recognized the efficacy of Taiwan’s disease control measures and acknowledged its contributions, the MOFA said the world body failed to present the full facts.
According to a MOFA statement, although Taiwan has consistently shared its disease prevention policies with the WHO through the country’s International Health Regulations Contact Point account, the WHO has yet to share this information on relevant websites or include it in daily situation reports.
The WHO’s claim to be including lessons learned from all countries and territories is therefore not in accordance with the facts, the MOFA said.
In addition, the ministry said Taiwan is still unable to take part in the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and lacks access to the timely updates posted therein, which runs counter to the WHO’s claim to be cooperating with Taiwan.
While two Taiwan health experts did take part in the WHO’s Global Research and Innovation Forum held Feb. 11-12 in Geneva through videoconferencing, they could not interact with representatives from other countries to share experiences or discuss cooperating with potential sponsors on vaccine and R&D opportunities, the MOFA said.
The government stands ready to work with the international community, the MOFA said, urging the WHO to cast aside political considerations and allow Taiwan access to all relevant meetings, mechanisms and activities.
Taiwan’s successful efforts in keeping infection rates low have earned praise from around the world, with this growing support sincerely appreciated by the government and people, the ministry said.
The WHO should reevaluate its unfair restrictions imposed on Taiwan and facilitate the country’s full participation to realize its own promise of Health For All, the MOFA added. (SFC-E)
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