Why the U.S. and Illinois should support Taiwan’s participation in the WHO
Health is a fundamental human right and a universal value. Improved health leads to greater well-being, strengthens national stability and contributes to global security. As Thomas Suhrbur of Glen Ellyn wrote in a letter to the Daily Herald published Feb. 27, millions of lives are at stake as the world works together to overcome the spread of diseases through international health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO). It is therefore critically important for the United States to ensure that the WHO has a reliable partner like Taiwan, one that can participate and contribute its expertise and experience.
At the 77th World Health Assembly, WHO adopted the Fourteenth General Programme of Work for 2025-2028, prioritizing improved health service coverage and financial protections to achieve universal health coverage. Taiwan has demonstrated remarkable success in these areas, offering valuable insights that align with U.S. and Illinois public health interests.
Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system, launched in 1995, covers 99.9% of its population and serves as a model for equitable, efficient health care. Its sustainability and adaptability ensure financial viability even amid an aging population — an issue that resonates with U.S. health care policy challenges. Taiwan’s ranking as first in the Health Care Index for seven consecutive years further underscores its expertise in health care management.
Beyond domestic health initiatives, Taiwan actively advances global health efforts, a role the U.S. has long championed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan shared critical medical supplies and expertise worldwide, demonstrating its commitment to international collaboration. Its success in achieving universal health coverage also provides valuable lessons for other nations, reinforcing the WHO’s goal of strengthening health care systems globally.
In digital health, Taiwan is a leader in integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance medical services. The NHI cloud facilitates efficient data exchange, AI-assisted health care improves patient outcomes, and digital tools like My Health Bank empower individuals to take charge of their well-being — capabilities that align with the WHO’s Global Strategy on Digital Health and U.S. health priorities.
Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHO stems from political interference rather than any health-related considerations. The continued misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1 unjustly prevents Taiwan’s participation, despite the fact that neither resolution mentions Taiwan nor grants Beijing authority over Taiwan’s representation in the WHO.
For the U.S. and the State of Illinois, supporting Taiwan’s inclusion is not just a matter of fairness — it is a strategic move to strengthen global health security and uphold democratic values. We are grateful that many Chicagoans and Illinoisans supported Taiwan’s bid for the WHO at the Polish Constitution Day Parade standing for this righteous cause since last year.
The WHO should adopt an inclusive and pragmatic approach that allows Taiwan to contribute fully to international health initiatives. U.S. advocacy for Taiwan’s participation would reinforce the fundamental human right to health enshrined in the WHO Constitution and align with the principles of universality and cooperation promoted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Taiwan is ready to collaborate with the international community to create a future of borderless health care. The people of the State of Illinois and the U.S. should help correct this injustice by supporting Taiwan’s rightful place in WHO discussions, mechanisms, and initiatives, particularly as the world prepares for future health crises and pandemic preparedness.
• Dennis Yen-Feng Lei is director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago.