(Original Source: Telegraph)
On 9 May, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu was interviewed by the Telegraph about the greater risk of pandemics posed by the country’s exclusion from the WHO and 72nd WHA convening from 20-28 May. The Minister pointed out that Taipei’s exclusion from the world health summit and WHO’s technical meetings creates a loophole in the global health security network that could quicken the spread of pandemics in Taiwan, Asia and the world. According to the minister, as millions of passengers pass through Taiwan every year, the country requires the most up-to-date information as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. He stressed that Taiwan needs the WHO’s guidance in dealing with outbreaks, and excluding Taiwan puts neighbouring countries in great jeopardy as well. Citing the terrifying outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Taiwan in 2003, the minister pointed out that Taiwan’s ability to handle health emergencies was hampered by its ban from the WHA as well as its restricted access to potentially life-saving data from the WHO, leading some 150,000 people to be quarantined and 37 patients died.
Minister Wu also highlighted the building international support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the WHO and WHA from several countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Japan. The Taiwan official stressed the country’s determination to help the international community and contribute to the global fight against disease despite serious setbacks.
