TAIWAN PLEADS FOR INCLUSION IN WHO

MANZINI – Taiwan has once again pleaded for its inclusion in the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The plea was extended by the Republic of China (Taiwan) Ambassador to Eswatini Jeremy Liang, during the 2023 World Health Day and the WHO 75th Anniversary celebration held at The George Hotel yesterday. The event was attended by the Prime Minister (PM), Cleopas Sipho Dlamini, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator George Wachira, WHO Representative Dr Geoffrey Bisoborwa, Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi and Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko.

Ambassador Liang said they embarked on a journey to achieve ‘Health For All’ and to motivate action to address the health challenges of today and tomorrow, the government of Taiwan was humbled to have been invited to the WHO’s 75th anniversary. He said Taiwan was a firm believer in the possibility of achieving universal access to high-quality healthcare. As such, the ambassador said the Taiwanese health care system was characterised by good accessibility, comprehensive population coverage, short waiting times, low cost and national data collection systems for planning and research.  “Ranking second in the world with the best health care system, Taiwan enjoys access to affordable and world-class medical care through the National Health Insurance System,” he said.

Liang said Taiwan had always been willing to assist the world in achieving sustainable and effective health care systems and had carried out a number of health care projects to improve emaSwati’s health. The ambassador said with this quality of health care systems, knowledge and experience, they had assisted Eswatini through various programmes including their medical mission.

Training

Additionally, he said they had provided assistance through training more than 88 doctors and aided government by providing free medical services to rural areas through their outreach programme. Ambassador Liang said the Taiwanese government’s many other contributions to the international community demonstrated their assertiveness and collaborative spirit. “However, Taiwan (is) excluded from the world’s international health system. Therefore, once again we plead with WHO to include us as one of the countries who honour and fulfil the mandate of the organisation. We believe that we have what it takes to contribute to the organisation and the world at large in order to realise the goal ‘Health for All’.”

He further extended appreciation to the Eswatini Government for always supporting their bid to become a member of the international community. The ambassador said they valued the support extended to them. “Taiwan can help. Please let Taiwan help,” he said. His remarks were met with a round of applause from the many guests present during the occasion. Meanwhile, the UK high commissioner in Eswatini recommitted that Britain would continue to support the WHO.

The High Commissioner, Simon Boyden, said many sectors needed to be collaborated to deliver the best healthcare and his country was committed to it. He said the UK was committed to equitable access to vaccines and they committed E1 billion to Global Fund to save millions of lives through fighting HIV/AIDs, malaria and tubercolosis (TB), among many. On the other hand, the US Charge de Affaires Earl Miller said his country was committed to saving lives through many programmes. He said his country was proud of its collaboration through PEPFAR, which was the largest contributor in dealing with healthcare challenges.
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