ICDF Partners with Order of Malta to Help Ukrainian Amputees Rebuild Their Lives

(CNA, Taipei, May 18, Reporter Yang Yao-ju) Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung appeared in Geneva, marking the first time a foreign minister has visited Geneva during the WHA. He stated on social media today that on the 17th, he witnessed the signing of a Letter of Intent for the "Rehabilitation and Psychosocial Support Project for Ukrainian Amputees" between the TaiwanICDF and the Order of Malta. The project is expected to train 250 medical personnel and assist 3,000 amputees and their families in rebuilding their physical, mental, and social lives. With the World Health Assembly (WHA) taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, Lin Chia-lung posted on Facebook today that on the 17th, he and Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-san attended the WHA international press conference for Taiwan's inclusion, the "Taiwan Smart Healthcare and Med-tech Expo," and a diplomatic reception. Representatives and international friends from various countries expressed admiration, affirmation, and support for Taiwan's creative efforts to seek international participation. Lin pointed out that this is the first time Taiwan has held a smart healthcare exhibition during the WHA, showcasing the strength of Taiwan's national medical team in areas from smart medicine and innovative care to resilient health. He and Chiu visited the booths of various companies, where Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and LUNGE ansteckung demonstrated innovative applications of AI-assisted diagnosis, smart care, precision medicine, and hospital digital transformation. Lin mentioned that the TaiwanICDF also displayed its long-term achievements in public health and humanitarian aid in Ukraine and diplomatic allies. He also witnessed the signing of the Letter of Intent for the "Rehabilitation and Psychosocial Support Project for Ukrainian Amputees" with The Order of Malta. Lin said that since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan has continuously invested over 150 million USD, collaborating with like-minded European partners, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and international non-governmental organizations. The aid has gradually expanded from emergency humanitarian assistance to infrastructure, medical rehabilitation, psychological support, and reconstruction efforts, standing with the Ukrainian people. Lin explained that the project is expected to train 250 medical professionals in Lviv and Vinnytsia oblasts within 18 months, helping 3,000 amputees and their families rebuild their lives, which echoes Taiwan's demonstrated strength in smart medicine and humanitarian spirit during the WHA. According to information provided by the TaiwanICDF, the signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister Lin and Ambassador Jean-François Kammer, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Order of Malta. ICDF Deputy Secretary-General Lee Chih-hung stated in his speech that this project is not only a milestone in establishing a partnership between the ICDF and Malteser International but also demonstrates their shared belief in "humanity without borders." Izabella Toth, Operations Director of Malteser International, said that the Order of Malta, Malteser International, and Taiwan have established a meaningful partnership in supporting the people of Ukraine and look forward to the cooperation bringing long-term positive impacts to those affected by the war. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150518