Shih Chung-liang and Liao Chih-hsien Appeal for Taiwan's WHA Participation in Brazilian Media

(CNA, São Paulo, May 18, Reporter Tang Ya-ling) As the World Health Assembly (WHA) approaches, Taiwan is actively seeking international support through "medical diplomacy." Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare, Shih Chung-liang, and its representative to Brazil, Liao Chih-hsien, have separately written articles for Brazilian media, calling for support for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). According to a press release from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brazil, Minister Shih emphasized in his article that global health is facing challenges from an aging population and a shortage of medical personnel. Taiwan is using digitalization as a core strategy, combining big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud technology to create a proactive, person-centered healthcare model. Shih pointed out that Taiwan has promoted the "333 Framework," encouraging over 400 hospitals to adopt the international FHIR standard, established 19 national-level medical AI centers, and has had over 50 AI products approved for applications such as early cancer detection, cardiac event prediction, and clinical decision support. Shih stated that 13 Taiwanese hospitals were listed in Newsweek's 2026 World's Best Smart Hospitals, demonstrating Taiwan's competitiveness in the international medical field. He called on the international community to support Taiwan's inclusion in the global health system, allowing digital medical innovation to benefit all of humanity. Representative Liao, in an article titled "A Call to Support Taiwan's Participation in the World Health Organization," which was published by 14 Brazilian media outlets, noted that it is regrettable that Taiwan has not been invited to the WHA for 10 consecutive years, but Taiwan remains committed to contributing to global health issues. He said that this year, Taiwan held the "Taiwan Smart Medical and Health Industry Exhibition" in Geneva, demonstrating its goodwill and capabilities, and conveying the message that Taiwan is willing to be a partner in global health cooperation. Liao also called on the Brazilian people to stand up and support the rights and selfless appeal of Taiwan's 23 million people. The representative office also noted that Brazilian academia believes Taiwan's experience in digital medical transformation and AI application is of significant value to global epidemic prevention and medical innovation and should not be excluded from international health organizations for political reasons.