Dr. Hsueh Jui-yuan, Minister of Health and Welfare for the Republic of China (Taiwan), has underscored the urgency for Taiwan’s inclusion in global health governance discussions, particularly in light of preparations for future pandemics.
Reflecting on the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three years, Dr. Hsueh highlights the need for a more effective global health governance framework to address emerging health threats. Despite the pandemic’s shift from a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) to a more manageable situation, concerns remain regarding the potential emergence of a new pandemic, referred to as Disease X.
Dr. Hsueh emphasises the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen health governance, as evidenced by ongoing reviews of response strategies and proposed revisions to the International Health Regulations (2005). However, Taiwan’s exclusion from the World Health Organization (WHO) limits its direct influence on these critical discussions, despite its proactive efforts in pandemic management and information sharing.
Taiwan’s swift response to the initial outbreak, coupled with its commitment to transparency and openness, has been instrumental in navigating the pandemic effectively. Dr. Hsueh calls for Taiwan’s inclusion in global health initiatives to enhance cooperation in monitoring virus strains, sharing research findings, and bolstering collective action against future pandemics.
Furthermore, Dr. Hsueh underscores Taiwan’s commitment to universal health coverage and its efforts to improve healthcare access and quality in line with WHO recommendations. Despite political challenges, Taiwan remains dedicated to supporting global health initiatives and advocating for the right to health for all individuals.
As the world commemorates World Health Day with the theme “My health, my right,” Taiwan reiterates its commitment to promoting health equity and advancing public health initiatives worldwide. Through partnerships and humanitar