President Receives “WHO Action Team”

President Lai Ching-te received the “WHO Action Team” this morning (28th), stating that 11 diplomatic allies submitted proposals supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer, and 26 countries plus the European Union publicly spoke out in support of Taiwan. The President emphasized that Taiwan should not—and must not—be left out of the global health system. Taiwan has the capability and determination, and is willing to stand with the world to jointly safeguard the health and well-being of all humanity, while contributing more to the development of global public health.

The President first listened to a briefing on the mission’s outcomes delivered by the head of the WHO Action Team and Minister of Health and Welfare, Shih Chung-liang, alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung.

In his address, the President first welcomed all working colleagues of the “WHO Action Team” and members of the “Taiwan Smart Medicine and Health Industry Exhibition” back to Taiwan. He noted that this year marked the first time the Ministers of Health and Welfare and Foreign Affairs jointly led a delegation to host related activities, partnering with medical and health organizations, healthcare institutions, and technology manufacturers to voice Taiwan’s participation in international health affairs. This fully demonstrated the spirit of “Team Taiwan.” On behalf of all citizens, the President expressed his gratitude to all team members involved, saying, “Thank you all for your hard work.”

The President stated that the theme of this year’s WHA is “All for Health, Health for All,” and Taiwan is precisely a capable, responsible partner willing to contribute. Although political interference prevented Taiwan from being invited to attend the WHA as an observer, over the past decade, Taiwan has transformed from a passive invitee into an active, proactive contributor. For instance, Taiwan’s achievements in public health epidemic prevention, its healthcare system, and its recent advancements in smart medicine, AI development, and data governance have garnered international attention. Many international friends even praised Taiwan’s cancer prevention policies and recognized Taiwan’s achievements in eliminating Hepatitis C during open forums.

The President thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare for their joint efforts in organizing the “Taiwan Smart Medicine and Health Industry Exhibition,” which brought Taiwan’s outstanding medical pioneers and manufacturers to Geneva, showing the world Taiwan’s innovative achievements in smart medicine, digital health, and the biotech industry. He pointed out that health knows no borders and is a fundamental human right. A total of 11 diplomatic allies submitted proposals supporting Taiwan’s participation as an observer in the WHA, and 26 countries along with the EU publicly spoke up for Taiwan. These actions clearly convey to the international community that Taiwan should not be excluded from the global health system due to political factors.

The President believes that in the face of future emerging infectious diseases like Ebola, an aging population, and new challenges brought by AI and digital technology, Taiwan is willing to stand with the world to protect the health and well-being of all humankind. He reiterated that the global health system should not and cannot leave Taiwan behind. Taiwan has both the capability and the determination to make greater contributions to the development of world public health.

In closing, the President once again thanked the members of the WHO Action Team for their efforts and dedication, expressing his hope that everyone will continue to work together for the health rights of the Taiwanese people and the well-being of the entire world.

The delegation of the “WHO Action Team,” which included Ambassador-at-Large Wu Yun-tung and others, was led by Team Leader and Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang to the Presidential Office to meet with the President. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council Chao Yi-hsiang were also present.