Letters highlighting the legitimacy and urgency of Taiwan’s WHO inclusion sent to the World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus by lawmakers of the Latin American Formosa Club are deeply appreciated, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said May 13.
 
In a total of 71 letters, lawmakers described the Taiwan Model’s success in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and praised the government’s humanitarian spirit, demonstrated by its willingness to share its best practices and medical supplies with countries and territories around the world.
 
Limiting access to WHO meetings due to international politics in the midst of a global health threat undermines the fundamental human rights of Taiwan’s 23 million people and puts everyone at risk, the letters said, adding that Taiwan’s contribution should be recognized and its World Health Assembly observer status granted.
 
According to the MOFA, the letters are part of a growing cross-country, cross-party consensus emanating from Latin America recognizing the importance of including Taiwan in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the WHO. Taiwan is willing and able to contribute more by sharing its public health know-how to ensure a seamless global disease prevention network while achieving the global body’s goal of Health For All.
 
Established last December, the Latin American Formosa club is made up of lawmakers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela and Mexico. Among members voicing support for Taiwan were Paraguay Sen. Arnaldo Franco, Colombia Sen. Ivan Name and Chili Rep. Pepe Auth.
 
Taiwan participated in the annual WHA as an observer from 2009 to 2016. The government is seeking a seat at the table for the 73rd meeting, set to take place online May 18-19. (YCH-E)
 
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