Since the outbreak of COVID-19 over two years ago, the costliest lesson we have learned is all the countries need to work together to face the challenges arising from the pandemic. No one can win this battle alone. Viruses know no borders. Inclusive collaboration is the key to successfully containing the pandemic.
‘No one is safe, until everyone is’
Taiwan’s response to COVID-19 has been one of the most successful in the world. Backed by its robust health system, Taiwan has efficiently deployed high-tech tools in its pandemic response while taking steps to protect personal data privacy. As Taiwan Health Minister Dr. Chen indicated, “being able to comprehensively participate in and contribute to international COVID-19 supply chain systems, as well as global diagnostics, vaccine, and therapeutics platforms, would allow Taiwan to work with the rest of the world”. We are fighting the pandemic together because “no one is safe, until everyone is”.
Health for all, Taiwan can help
Taiwan is a small island with a big heart. Taiwan has donated medical supplies to more than 80 countries since the outbreak of COVID-19. Somaliland has deeply realized and witnessed Taiwan’s capabilities and contributions because of Taiwan’s flagship medical cooperation implemented in Somaliland. Taiwan continuously assists Somaliland combating COVID-19 by providing over 80% of the medical supplies including PCRs, antigen rapid tests, oxygen generators, masks, PPEs and 150,000 doses of the Taiwan-made Medigen vaccine.
The “Taiwan Model” to fight COVID-19
COVID-19 has shown how a global health crisis not only threatens lives but can also undermine democracy, human rights, and good governance. “The Taiwan Model” is an example of how a modern democracy can work transparently using technology to fight the pandemic. Together, we can strengthen health systems, renew democracy, and uphold human rights. Together, we will build back a better world.
Building a resilient and inclusive global health system together
We appreciate the growing support for Taiwan’s inclusion from the international community, and recognition of Taiwan’s successful contribution against the COVID-19 pandemic. We therefore to urge WHO to join the like-minded countries to acknowledge Taiwan’s longstanding contributions to the international community in the areas of public health, disease prevention, and the human right to health, and to include Taiwan in WHO and its meetings, mechanisms, and activities. Echoing the mantra of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, no one should be left behind.
Let Taiwan help and let Taiwan help more
Taiwan has plenty to offer the international community, but it’s hard to do when it’s excluded from the WHO. We believe that “WEAPONS cannot increase human welfare, but HEALTH does.”
Taiwan is an indispensable partner on the path to global post pandemic recovery and world health map. The world needs Taiwan, let Taiwan help and let Taiwan help more.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ambassador Allen C. Lou, Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, or viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle, and its staff.
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