On the evening of May 24, Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang, representing President Daniel K.Y. Han, led a cross-party delegation from the Legislative Yuan to Geneva, Switzerland, to advocate for Taiwan's participation in the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA). The delegation's visit will last for six days, with a planned return to Taiwan on May 30. The team includes three cross-party representatives-- Legislator Chen Ching-hui of the Kuomintang (KMT), Legislator Wang Cheng-hsu of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and Legislator Lin Yi-chun of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP).
Vice President Chiang, along with the three legislators, first posed for a photograph to boost morale for the parliamentary diplomatic mission. Vice President Chiang stated in an interview that the delegation is composed of cross-party legislators with backgrounds in health and medical fields. The primary objective of this trip is to join forces with the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s action team and local expatriate groups to advocate for Taiwan's participation in the 77th WHA and to expand international support for Taiwan.
Vice President Chiang continued by stating that the World Health Organization (WHO) is the most important global health organization, aiming to achieve the highest health standards for all humanity. The criteria for joining should be universal, regardless of country, race, age, or gender, and should not exclude anyone for any reason. This reflects the principle of "health rights."
Vice President Chiang further mentioned that, in addition to participating in meetings and events on the sidelines, the delegation aims to engage with health officials and professionals from various countries attending the WHA. They also hope to meet with representatives from other friendly nations to express Taiwan's desire to participate in the WHA, reflecting the shared aspiration of all Taiwanese people. He emphasized that Taiwan's healthcare standards are globally recognized, and the recent experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has once again demonstrated Taiwan's high-quality medical capabilities, professional expertise, and resilience. More importantly, it has showcased Taiwan's willingness and ability to engage in international medical activities and make concrete contributions.
Vice President Chiang concluded by stating that, in the coming days, the delegation will not only participate in surrounding medical professional forums but will also engage in parliamentary diplomacy. They have scheduled meetings with Swiss parliamentarians and dignitaries to raise Taiwan's visibility and demonstrate Taiwan's determination and commitment to participating in international health cooperation.
Legislator Wang Cheng-hsu expressed his pleasure at representing the DPP alongside Vice President Chiang and the other legislators on this year's WHA legislative delegation. He noted that according to the 14th General Program of Work issued by the WHO, six priority areas are planned for the next three years. The areas are strengthening health systems and social resilience in response to climate change and escalating health threats; integrating determinants of health into cross-sectoral key decision-making; promoting primary health care approaches and addressing health inequities; improving the scope and financial protection of health services to reduce inequities; effectively preventing, responding to, and preparing for emerging health risks; and detecting and responding to health emergencies in real-time. He highlighted that these focus areas align closely with President Lai's "Healthy Taiwan Policy," and thus Taiwan can integrate its Healthy Taiwan Policy with global standards and work with the WHO to enhance the global health system and protect human health. One of the most critical aspects is combating emerging diseases, as Taiwan stands on the front line of combating emerging infectious diseases. Taiwan is confident in its ability to contribute to global efforts, and the world needs Taiwan's contributions.
Legislator Chen Ching-hui expressed her honor at joining the experienced Vice President Chiang in Geneva for medical parliamentary diplomacy. She is confident that the three legislators, each with a professional background, will engage in in-depth discussions with representatives from many friendly nations and relevant organizations. Legislator Chen also plans to exchange insights on issues such as declining birth rates and an aging population with advanced countries. Additionally, she will actively promote Taiwan's outstanding performance in public health and healthcare systems, ensuring that Taiwan remains visible in the global health arena. She believes the delegation will make every effort to advance Taiwan's medical diplomacy.
Legislator Lin Yi-chun remarked that pharmacists played a crucial role during the pandemic by implementing various preventive measures, such as the real-name mask system, rapid testing, and home delivery of medications, which helped the government control the spread of the pandemic and demonstrated Taiwan's robust public health system. This visit aims to share Taiwan's successful experiences and assist more people around the world. Due to political interference, Taiwan has not yet received an invitation to participate in this year's WHA. Therefore, the most important goal of the delegation is to urge the WHA to restore Taiwan's observer status to help the WHO establish a truly equitable and reciprocal global healthcare system.
Vice President Chiang concluded by noting that the theme of this year's World Health Assembly is "All for Health, Health for All," which reinforces that health knows no borders and should not exclude any country. He called on China to cease its suppression of Taiwan and stop military exercises. At the same time, he emphasized the need for the international community to hear and support Taiwan's basic health rights claims. Achieving this is a crucial goal of the parliamentary diplomacy mission.
