Taiwan ready for global preparation for future pandemics
In preparation for the threat of an unknown future “Disease X” pandemic and recognizing as it managed the COVID-19 crisis weaknesses in the International Health Regulations that govern global health security, the WHO has proposed IHR revisions such as enhanced surveillance, reporting and information sharing, improved response readiness and revised criteria for declaring public health emergencies of international concern. Debates over a new pandemic agreement aim to craft a robust pandemic governance framework grounded in accountability, transparency and equity, elements which may be approved at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 27-June 1.
Because it is not a WHO-member state, Taiwan cannot directly influence revisions to the IHR or the drafting of the pandemic agreement. Yet, Taiwan was the nation that initially identified the epidemic risk as early as Dec. 31, 2019, and promptly executed adaptive measures. Taiwan also proactively shared vital information with global partners and garnered public trust through its commitment to openness.
Taiwan strongly endorses passage and implementation of amendments to the IHR. We call on the WHO to include Taiwan as a signatory to these documents. We are committed to collaborating on monitoring new virus strains, reporting and exchanging pathogen diagnosis data and sharing novel vaccine and antiviral research or clinical trial results.
Taiwan believes that health is a human right, which coincides with the theme “My health, my right” for World Health Day 2024.
We urge the WHO and all relevant parties to include Taiwan in the WHA and all WHO meetings, activities and mechanisms. This would uphold the fundamental human right to health stipulated in its Constitution and the vision of leaving no one behind espoused in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals. Taiwan should not be left behind when global health is at stake.
Dennis Yen-Feng Lei, Director General
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office
Chicago