Building a more comprehensive global framework: Taiwan as a reliable partner for global health security and disaster management

Preface

Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) were adopted at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2024, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is discussing a pandemic agreement that is expected to be approved at the 78th WHA. Today, the world is focused on the future of global public health management. Taiwan, a major contributor to global health, is seeking to participate in WHO and its related technical meetings and mechanisms, as well as the World Health Assembly as an observer. Our overarching desire is to better fulfill our obligations to public health as a responsible member of the international community, which can only be achieved through participation in this global health body.

During COVID-19, Taiwan demonstrated its commitment to public health as well as the reliability of its epidemic prevention system. Separately, Taiwan has accumulated a great deal of experience providing international medical assistance. For example, we donate medical supplies and offer training to the medical personnel of partner countries. Such efforts highlight Taiwan’s world-class public health system and medical capacity as well as our willingness to contribute to the world.

WHO is the most important global organization addressing public health. But due to political considerations, WHO has not always acted in a professional, neutral manner. By excluding Taiwan, WHO has severely jeopardized the right to health of the 23.5 million people of Taiwan. Regrettably, WHO’s stance undermines its own efforts to make global health architecture more comprehensive. This hinders global prevention, preparedness, and response to health emergencies.

We call on all nations to support Taiwan’s participation in WHO meetings, activities, and mechanisms, including in the WHA as an observer. Taiwan

is a reliable partner for upholding health security, engaging in disaster management, and constructing a more comprehensive global health framework.

Background information

Taiwan’s participation in WHO remains limited

From 2012 to 2024, Taiwan was invited to an average of just seven WHO meetings annually. China’s obstruction has been the primary reason for this meager showing. Overall, Taiwan’s participation in WHO technical meetings continues to be sporadic and limited. There is significant room for improvement.

Moreover, Taiwan has applied to participate in a number of WHO programs, including the Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN) as well as WHO Listed Authority and prequalification (PQ) certification, and to add its national focal point for non-communicable diseases to WHO’s list. We also hope to participate in the International Health Regulations (IHR) on an equal footing with other member states. But to our inquiries we have achieved a tepid response.

World-leading medical and health technologies and products

National Health Insurance

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s implementation of universal health coverage. Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) program covers the full spectrum of essential, high-quality health services, from prevention and treatment to rehabilitation and palliative care. In the 1960s, Taiwan’s health sector began the process of incorporating laborers, farmers, and government employees into a health insurance system. The NHI is now widely regarded as one of the best systems in the world. In Numbeo’s annual survey, Taiwan has ranked first in the Healthcare Index category every year since 2019. In 2023, CEOWORLD ranked Taiwan as the country with the best healthcare system globally. Our system ranked

second for health and a healthy environment in the 2023 Swiss Institute of Management’s World Talent Ranking report.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan’s NHI and public health sector provided the public with service continuously. This was significant for maintaining people’s right to health and social stability. The NHI database and its up-to-date information systems proved central to Taiwan’s successful pandemic prevention efforts.

Epidemic surveillance

The experience Taiwan gained with SARS in 2003 prompted our government to conduct a comprehensive review of epidemic control preparedness. This included legal reforms, organizational adjustments, and extended training for frontline personnel to enhance the overall epidemic response system. In line with global trends and the demands of epidemic prevention and control, the government made amendments to epidemic prevention regulations, improved the infectious disease prevention framework, and increased preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.

Being located near China and sharing a language and culture, Taiwan is able to detect and decode information on epidemics happening in China. At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak at the end of 2019, Taiwan quickly learned that this was an emerging epidemic, implementing preventive measures and promptly notifying WHO of the situation. Unfortunately, Taiwan’s warnings were not taken seriously. As a result, the world suffered, highlighting the critical role Taiwan plays in monitoring disease outbreaks in China.