OPINION:
For the 10th consecutive year, Taiwan was excluded earlier this month from participating the World Health Organization’s “Walk the Talk” health activity held in Geneva alongside the 79th World Health Assembly. Why? Ongoing pressure from Beijing.
Taiwanese supporters were reportedly told to cover or remove clothing bearing the word “TAIWAN” for political reasons. This is indeed a troubling example of how politics continues to overshadow public health, freedom of expression and human dignity.
The WHO event was supposed to promote health, inclusion and global solidarity. Taiwan’s continued exclusion is not only a loss for Taiwan, but also a global loss, depriving the world of Taiwan’s public health expertise.
The WHO should build bridges to unite people, not divide them, and no one should ever be excluded from the global health community because of politics.
For countries like the United States, which understands the importance of international cooperation during pandemics, natural disasters and health emergencies, this issue should matter deeply. There is no reason for Taiwan to be excluded from the WHA. The 23 millions people in Taiwan should enjoy the same health rights as people everywhere else in the world.
KENT WANG
Advisory commissioner for the Overseas Community Affairs Council, Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United States
Potomac Falls, Virginia
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