The Taiwan World Health Assembly (WHA) Action Team held an international press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, this Sunday local time, one day before the 78th WHA is scheduled to take place on Monday. At a reception hosted by Taiwan’s local office, representatives from all but one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies attended in support of its participation in international organizations such as the WHO.

Saint Kitts and Nevis, Palau, and Haiti were among those voicing strong support for Taiwan at the event. Of Taiwan’s 12 official diplomatic allies, the Holy See was the only one not in attendance at the reception. While it is a permanent observer at the United Nations, the Holy See is a non-member state and rarely speaks on political issues surrounding the meetings.

Citing Taiwan’s wealth of medical-related knowledge, a foreign media representative asked what plans Taiwan had implemented within the previous years to improve medical care quality for diplomatic allies. Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) responded by saying that the Ministry assists in building hospitals, helps establish local medical systems, and promotes smart medical technology, specifically mentioning the “Rongbang Program.” 

Saint Kitts and Nevis Permanent Secretary and Health Minister Curtis Martin took the initiative to answer further questions, explaining that the country has shared official diplomatic relations with Taiwan since its independence in 1983. Martin highlighted Taiwan’s kindness reflected in international medical cooperation over the past 42 years, including recent and future projects such as funding that strengthens the country’s mental health services, opportunities for medical professionals wishing to further their studies and training, and collaborative efforts to build a smart hospital.

Taiwan can contribute a lot to the world, according to Martin, who said he will use Saint Kitts and Nevis’ limited two-minute speaking time on the first day of the WHA to advocate for its support for Taiwan joining the WHO. He said the relationship between both nations is rock solid, and that Taiwan has made significant contributions both in and out of the medical field.