Swazi Observer

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HEALTH FOR ALL? TAIWAN CAN HELP

By ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador Jeremy H. S Liang | 2019-05-20

THE 72nd World Health Assembly gets underway today in Geneva.

Running for nine days, the annual meeting of the governing body of the World Health Organisation will tackle many life-threatening challenges facing the human race today.

All WHO member states are in attendance, but democratic and peaceful Taiwan cannot take its rightful place amongst the international family of nations due to the objections of authoritarian China.

The harsh reality is that Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, has put politics ahead of realising the UN agency’s primary objective of Health For All.

The decision not to invite Taiwan to the WHA is deeply disappointing for the government and 23 million people of Taiwan.

But of greater concern is the gap created in the global infection prevention and control network. Disease knows no borders and it is a case of ‘All Hands On Deck’ when combating epidemics and pandemics.

Sadly, there is not much to be done in righting this wrong against Taiwan and the good souls of the world. No amount of hand-wringing or self-pity will secure Taiwan an invite to this year’s WHA. The best and only course of action is rolling up shirt sleeves and redoubling front-line efforts in showing Taiwan can help bolster global health.

Case in point is Taiwan’s cooperation with the Kingdom of Eswatini. In March, Minister of Health Lizzy Nkosi and I signed a six-year US$12.7 million memorandum of understanding on health care improvement. Under the pact, Taipei Medical University Hospital work with various partners in enhancing clinic services, staff training and public health research.

A highlight of the project, which was initiated by President Tsai Ing-wen during her state visit in April 2018 to the beautiful kingdom, involves upgrading the skill sets of nearly 100 doctors from Eswatini trained at Kaohsiung City-based I-Shou University in southern Taiwan. This encompasses a series of tailored professional courses aimed at assisting the medicos better serve their communities.

The project is a sterling example of the promises made, promises kept philosophy underpinning Taiwan’s diplomatic relations. It also represents a strong step forward in fulfilling His Majesty King Mswati III’s National Development Strategy 2022.

Health care cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini started in 2008 via the Medical Technical Cooperation Agreement. Over the years, the two sides have implemented a variety of large-scale programmes, including the two-phase maternal and infant health care improvement project, the soon-to-be-completed Emergency and Intensive Care Unit at Mbabane Government Hospital, and visits by non-governmental organisations and volunteer groups.

President Tsai wants the people of Eswatini to benefit from Taiwan’s successful experiences and reap the rewards of improved services and a robust public health system. This approach is irrefutable proof of Taiwan’s love and rock-solid reputation as a force for good, true friend and partner in prosperity.

My most heartfelt and sincere wish is for Taiwan and Eswatini to work even closer together in achieving great things for both countries. Securing Taiwan’s participation in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the WHO will help achieve this goal, and the support of His Majesty King Mswati III and the people is deeply appreciated. There is truly no mountain we cannot conquer together.

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