TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's foreign minister pledged Monday (May 18) to continue pursuing participation in global health efforts despite the island's exclusion from the World Health Assembly opening in Geneva. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attended the European Federation for Taiwan Health Alliance annual meeting as the 79th World Health Assembly began without Taiwan's participation.
Lin met Sunday with Health Minister Shih Chung-liang and officials from Taiwan's diplomatic allies, including Palau Vice President Raynold Oilouch and Eswatini Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula. Taiwan will persist in striving for meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, the assembly and related organizations, Lin said. The exclusion highlights Taiwan's ongoing diplomatic isolation despite its public health capabilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health and Welfare collaborated with 30 Taiwanese medical institutions to host the first Taiwan Smart Medical and HealthTech Expo in Geneva. The expo showcases Taiwan's achievements in smart healthcare, artificial intelligence applications and medical technology. Shih said four forums will focus on digital health, hepatitis C eradication and cancer prevention.
The Taiwan United Nations Alliance organized an exhibition at Geneva's train station Saturday advocating for Taiwan's inclusion in the World Health Organization. Excluding Taiwan from the organization undermines global health security, Lin said. The organization's founding principle is to make health a fundamental human right for all, he added.