CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – St. Lucia has called for Taiwan to be included in the World Health Organization (WHO) activities as the United Nations body gears up for its executive board meeting at the end of this month.
The meeting will discuss the world’s most pressing health issues, and the executive, comprising representatives of 34 member states appointed by regional members on a rotational basis, previews the items that will be presented and decided upon at the full meeting of the 194 member states at the World Health Assembly in May.
St. Lucia is one of a handful of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries with diplomatic relations with Taiwan that China regards as renegade provisions and has vowed to unite the Asian country with the mainland under the “One China policy.” Beijing has not ruled out military force to achieve its objective.
Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs Minister Moses Jn Baptiste, in advocating support for Taiwan in the activities and meetings led by the WHO, said the Asian country is well known for its proactive and successful health initiatives.
“Taiwan has proven itself to be a valuable partner. It has supported WHO’s Triple Billion targets and health-related SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and contributed to the global fight against communicable and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
“Therefore, St. Lucia calls on the World Health Organization to include Taiwan in all technical meetings, activities, and mechanisms and invite Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly as an observer,” Jn Baptiste said, noting some of the booming health programs Taiwan has implemented.
“Taiwan has always been vigilant in its NCD prevention and management approach. It has successfully implemented various associated programs, including initiatives focusing on cancer prevention and screening, education and action on tobacco use, and metabolic syndrome diagnosis.”
The health minister noted Taiwan’s assistance during the problematic pandemic in St. Lucia helped curb the spread of the virus.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan’s advanced public health system, well-trained epidemic prevention personnel, and comprehensive, cutting-edge disease surveillance, investigation, and analysis system helped contain and slow the spread of the virus.
“The comprehensive response model established by Taiwan facilitates advanced deployment and early response in the event of an epidemic. Based on the lessons learned from combating COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, Taiwan recognizes the vital role of sharing genetic sequencing information.”
Jn Baptiste said that as the global community faces increasing health threats, St. Lucia is re-emphasizing the necessity of working together to tackle these challenges effectively.
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