Why Illinois should support Taiwan’s participation in the WHO
Health is a fundamental human right and a universal value. Stronger health systems lead to greater community well‑being, economic stability and global security. For a state like Illinois — home to world‑class medical institutions, global health researchers and a diverse international population — ensuring that international health bodies such as the World Health Organization include all capable partners is directly relevant to public health and economic interests. Taiwan’s participation is central to that goal.
At the 77th World Health Assembly, WHO adopted the Fourteenth General Programme of Work for 2025—2028, emphasizing expanded health service coverage and financial protections to achieve universal health coverage. Taiwan’s achievements in these areas align closely with priorities shared by Illinois health systems, universities and policymakers.
Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system — covering 99.9% of its population since 1995 — is widely cited as a model of equitable, efficient healthcare delivery. Its long-term sustainability, even as its population ages, offers insights relevant to Illinois, which faces its own demographic and healthcare cost pressures. Taiwan’s repeated top ranking in the Health Care Index underscores the value of its experience for states seeking to strengthen healthcare access and affordability.
Illinois also benefits from global health collaboration. The state hosts major medical research centers, public health schools and biotechnology companies that partner internationally. Taiwan’s exclusion from WHO limits opportunities for Illinois institutions to exchange data, collaborate on disease surveillance and participate in global health innovation with a high-performing partner. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, Taiwan shared medical supplies and expertise worldwide; observers noted that its absence from WHO mechanisms hindered information flow that could have supported global and local responses.
Taiwan’s leadership in digital health is another area of direct relevance to Illinois. Its NHI cloud, AI-assisted diagnostics and patient-centered digital tools mirror the priorities of Illinois hospitals and research institutions working to expand telehealth, improve data integration and reduce disparities. These capabilities align with WHO’s Global Strategy on Digital Health and offer practical lessons for U.S. states seeking to modernize healthcare delivery.
Taiwan’s exclusion from WHO is rooted in political considerations rather than health-related criteria. Analysts frequently point out that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1 do not address Taiwan’s participation in WHO nor grant authority to any government to represent Taiwan in global health forums. This misinterpretation prevents Taiwan from contributing to international health efforts despite its demonstrated capacity.
For the Illinoisans and more broadly speaking, the U.S. public, supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in WHO mechanisms is not only a matter of fairness — it is a pragmatic step toward strengthening global and local health security. Inclusive global health cooperation benefits American communities, protects public health and supports the state’s research and innovation ecosystem. Ensuring that WHO engages with all capable partners, including Taiwan, aligns with the principles of universality and cooperation reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and in the U.S.’ own commitment to public health leadership.
Taiwan stands ready to collaborate with the international community to build a future of borderless healthcare. Illinois, with its strong medical institutions and global outlook, has a clear interest in supporting Taiwan’s rightful place in WHO discussions, technical meetings and health initiatives — especially as the world prepares for future pandemics and emerging health threats.
• Dennis Yen-Feng Lei is director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago.