Change in WHO entry strategy mulled

Taiwan apply to be a full member of the World Health Organization (WHO) under the name "Taiwan" if China and the WHO again block the nation's bid for observer status in the health body this May, a senior official said yesterday.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Michael Kau (高英茂), who is in charge of the country's bid to join the WHO, said yesterday that the government will not rule out announcing a change of strategy if Taiwan fail in its bid to obtain observer status at the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the WHO.

The WHA will hold its annual convention from May 22 to May 27 this year, and Taiwan will for the 10th time try to secure observer status.

Speaking the frustrations over the previous failures of Taiwan to obtain WHA observer status, Kau said yesterday that the international community should be told that "enough is enough."

"To apply for observer status in the WHA is more of a practical way for Taiwan to participate in the health body. Having to change our strategy by applying for full membership in the WHO would only happen because our efforts have reached an impasse and we have no way out. We just have to let [China and the world] know that enough is enough," Kau said yesterday at a workshop on Taiwan and the WHO held by the Foundation of Medical Professionals Alliance in Taiwan.

The medical association has helped with Taiwan's WHO bid for the last 10 years.

Wu Shu-min (吳樹民), the association's president, suggested that the government announce its intention to apply for full WHO membership under the name "Taiwan" before the WHA convenes on May 22, in order put the international community on notice that Taiwan cannot endure being shut out of the world health system forever.

"It's better to raise this issue before May 22 to set a bottom line for the limit of our endurance, and to put pressure on them. If they are still not going to accept Taiwan, then we'll go for the full-membership option," Wu said.

Taiwan been applying to become an observer at the WHA as a "health entity," a term used to skirt the sensitive issue of Taiwan's sovereignty and thereby defuse China's opposition to Taiwan's participation.

Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Winston Dang (陳重信) said that he had launched a petition two weeks ago in the Legislature to demand that the foreign ministry and the Department of Health study the feasibility of the country applying for full WHO membership in the future.