For doctors in China to say nothing in favor of Taiwan's WHO observer status in the face of this global threat is a sad commentary on that country's narrow-minded, selfish and unethical state of mind. Before the next pandemic occurs, it is time for China to put geopolitics aside and allow Taiwan to enjoy WHO observer status. It would be a professional courtesy that is long overdue.
Influential medical and health professionals around the world agree that Taiwan's exclusion from the WHO as an observer represents a serious threat both to the health of the Taiwanese people and to the global community in the 21st century.
And, as has been suggested many times by health professionals supportive of Taiwan's international status, the steering committee of the World Health Assembly should call an emergency meeting and accede to Taiwan's request to participate as an assembly observer. This must be done now, not next year, not in five years' time, not in 10 years' time.
The Hippocratic Oath and the Declaration of Geneva demand it.
Dan Bloom is a freelance writer based in Chiayi.
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