Every day, the unpredictable COVID-19 continues to make people around the globe realize the real threat of emerging infectious diseases. As of May 21, 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has already affected 193 countries, resulted in over 164 million confirmed cases, and has killed more than 3.4 million people. A lot of things that were deemed as usual, like social events, gatherings, and even going to the movies, have all become unusual and prohibited as they could become possible sources of infection. It is without doubt that this pandemic has become one of the most serious crises that the global community, including Taiwan and the Philippines, has encountered in this century.
Since 17 March 2020, the Philippine government has imposed different levels of community quarantine measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19. In view of the rollout of the COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Program, which began on 1 March 2021, and the continued arrival of more vaccines, I sincerely hope that the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines will soon be mitigated and the economy will steadily recover.
Taiwan has been among a handful of places that have kept the virus at bay. The recent spike in cases has once again demonstrated that no country is immune to pandemics and that it takes the concerted efforts of all countries to overcome the challenge. No one should be left out in this fight.
In this regards, we urge the World Health Organization (WHO) to set aside political considerations and include Taiwan in its meetings, mechanisms, and activities. We encourage the WHO to listen to the voice of the international community, including U. S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, the World Medical Association, and many parliamentarians from over 100 countries, and to invite Taiwan to the 74th World Health Assembly to be held from May 24 to June 1, 2021.
Taiwan and the Philippines share common values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Only if we are united and support each other, could all people enjoy living and working conditions that are conducive to good health. To keep the Bayanihan spirit alive, we are hopeful that our Filipino friends can voice out their support for Taiwan’s participation in the 74th World Health Assembly.
Taiwan can help and is willing to help. No one should be left behind.
Peiyung Hsu
Representative
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines
May 21, 2021