Minister Shih Chung-liang Leads Delegation to Geneva to Share Taiwan's Medical Experience and Resilience

Geneva, 16th (CNA) — The World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to begin on the 18th. Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang, having led a delegation to Geneva, expressed regret over not receiving an invitation this year. However, he stated that Taiwan will not be absent from this important event and has planned a series of side events to share Taiwan's medical experience and resilience with the world. Shih Chung-liang arrived in Geneva at noon local time on the 16th and immediately spoke to the media. Regarding the lack of a WHA invitation this year, Shih expressed regret but emphasized that Taiwan cannot miss an event where medical and health experts and representatives from around the world gather. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has organized a delegation to participate in and host several side forums in Geneva. The forums planned by the MOHW cover topics such as 'Global Hepatitis C Elimination,' 'Early Cancer Detection and Equitable Treatment,' and 'Digital Health.' Shih mentioned that the number of forums is greater than in previous years, with the main goal being to share and exchange Taiwan's medical experience and resilience with other countries and to interact with their experts. Although Taiwan did not receive an invitation this year, many countries and organizations continue to advocate for Taiwan, for which Shih expressed great appreciation. He added that in the coming days, diplomatic allies will speak out in support of Taiwan, and other friendly nations will also express their support for Taiwan's participation in WHO-related meetings and activities. He intends to interact with them and express his gratitude. Facing continuous pressure from China that leads to Taiwan's exclusion, Shih stressed that holding forums and related exhibitions in Geneva, along with many other groups, is to clearly convey the message that 'no one should be left behind.' He said that in recent years, with the emergence of new infectious diseases, global pandemic prevention must be a unified effort without any gaps. This is not only about the lives and health of Taiwan's 23 million people but also affects global pandemic response and health. Therefore, Taiwan must be allowed to participate in a concrete and meaningful way, which has been Taiwan's consistent appeal. Shih mentioned that this year, the MOHW is collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold the 'Taiwan Smart Medical and Health Industry Exhibition' in Geneva. This exhibition will showcase how Taiwan practices digital and resilient healthcare, allowing people from all countries to visit and interact, concretely demonstrating the spirit of 'Taiwan Can Help'.