New Zealand Overseas Taiwanese Walk to Support Taiwan's WHO Participation and Contribution to Global Health Security

Central News Agency

(Central News Agency reporter Chiu Te-chen, Sydney, 9th) The New Zealand Christchurch overseas Taiwanese community today held a walkathon, "Health for All, Taiwan Can Help," calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to acknowledge Taiwan's contributions to the global public health system and support Taiwan's participation in WHO-related meetings and observer status at the World Health Assembly (WHA).

The event was led by Taiwan's Representative to New Zealand, Ou Chiang-an, and the president of the Chinese Association, Hsu Kai-shu, and was joined by various New Zealand overseas Taiwanese groups, Taiwanese businesspeople, and friends of Taiwan, demonstrating the unity and support for Taiwan from the New Zealand overseas Taiwanese community.

This year's event featured New Zealand alpacas, symbolizing peace and friendliness, walking alongside overseas Taiwanese holding signs supporting Taiwan's WHO participation; along the way, it attracted attention from New Zealand locals, with many actively cheering for Taiwan.

In her speech, Ou Chiang-an stated that health is a fundamental human right, viruses know no borders, and political considerations should not override human health. She emphasized that Taiwan possesses a complete and highly digitized disease surveillance system and has accumulated rich experience in infectious disease prevention and control, chronic disease management, digital health, and smart medicine; moreover, Taiwan is not only willing but also capable of working with the international community to strengthen the global health security network.

Ou Chiang-an mentioned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan promptly provided epidemic prevention supplies such as masks, protective clothing, and forehead thermometers, and shared epidemic prevention technologies and experiences, demonstrating Taiwan's role as a responsible member of the international community.

Ou Chiang-an said that in recent years, Taiwan has continuously promoted the "Healthy Taiwan" policy, actively addressing common global challenges such as cancer, emerging infectious diseases, drug-resistant superbugs, declining birth rates, and aging populations.

Ou Chiang-an reminded that excluding Taiwan from WHO-related mechanisms is not only unfair but also creates a gap in the global public health defense network.

As the 79th WHA is about to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 18 to 23, Ou Chiang-an stated that Taiwan eagerly looks forward to participating in relevant activities and mechanisms, working hand in hand with various countries to build a more complete and resilient global health system.

Ou Chiang-an believes that the WHO, as the most important global public health governance body, should uphold professionalism, neutrality, and the principle of "Leaving No One Behind," allowing Taiwan to participate in WHO technical meetings, information sharing platforms, and epidemic prevention cooperation mechanisms.

Ou Chiang-an emphasized that Taiwan is a trusted partner of the global health community; only with Taiwan's full participation can the global health security network be more comprehensive, and the world can build a healthier, safer, and more resilient future. (Edited by Wei Shu) 1150509

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