WHA Opens on May 18, Shih Chung-liang Leads Delegation to Geneva to Hold 4 Forums

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 11 (CNA Reporter Yu Kai-hsiang) – The World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to open on May 18. Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang stated today that although Taiwan has not yet received a formal invitation, facing global challenges such as an aging population, new infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance, Taiwan should not be absent and must actively participate. Therefore, he will lead a delegation to Geneva to hold four forums, concretely presenting the important role of "Taiwan can help." As for whether Foreign Minister Joseph Wu will accompany the delegation to Geneva, Wu said it is being planned and will be announced to the public once confirmed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a pre-departure press conference this afternoon for the "2026 World Health Assembly (WHA) Promotion and 'Taiwan Smart Medical and Health Industry Exhibition'" with two ministers attending. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang, and the industry delegation leader and Superintendent of Mackay Memorial Hospital, Chang Wen-han, were present. Shih Chung-liang stated in his speech that it is regrettable that Taiwan has not yet received a formal invitation. When the world faces so many threats and challenges, including an aging population, increasing chronic diseases, the threat of new infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance, Taiwan should not be absent and must actively participate. Therefore, he will lead relevant units within the ministry to Geneva to participate in WHA-related activities. Shih Chung-liang mentioned that Taiwan will hold four important professional forums during the WHA this year to exchange with countries around the world. Since the WHA's goal for hepatitis C eradication is 2030, but Taiwan will achieve it by 2025, Taiwan will share its experience with other countries. In addition, cancer is a constantly growing global new challenge among chronic diseases. In recent years, Taiwan has accelerated treatment through strengthened screening, the introduction of precision diagnostic medicine, and the establishment of stable fund budgets to support the use of new cancer drugs. These related measures will also be shared at the cancer prevention and control professional forum. At the same time, the forums will also focus on global digital transformation trends, medical resilience, and supply chain issues after the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic. Shih Chung-liang emphasized that he is grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for planning the medical and health industry exhibition during the WHA. Coupled with the forums, it will allow the world to understand that Taiwan not only has chips but also transforms them into solutions that improve medical standards and efficiency. This will be a highlight of Taiwan seen in Geneva, more concretely presenting the important role of "Taiwan can help." Regarding whether like-minded countries will continue to support Taiwan now that the US has withdrawn from the WHO, Shih Chung-liang pointed out that the United States is Taiwan's staunch partner, and after US President Trump took office, he has repeatedly supported Taiwan through various channels and means, and the number of countries supporting Taiwan has increased year by year. Like-minded countries have also worked hard for Taiwan. "The international support has not weakened because the United States is not attending." Because of this, Taiwan needs to participate in the WHA more seriously and actively. Joseph Wu pointed out that Taiwan not being invited to participate in the WHA is not just Taiwan's loss, but a greater loss for the world. Although Taiwan is not a member of the World Health Organization (WHO), it continues to contribute. The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) will open on May 18 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to hold the first "Taiwan Smart Medical and Health Industry Exhibition" in Geneva during the WHA. In addition, the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) will hold a side forum for the ninth consecutive year during the WHA, focusing on digital health transformation, which will open on May 19. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150511. Choose to stand with facts, your every sponsorship is a force for protecting press freedom. Download CNA's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news. The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted without authorization.