Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar discussed how best to combat coronavirus and ensure Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization during a telephone call April 27.
Speaking for 30 minutes, the two health chiefs shared strategies for managing COVID-19 and views regarding global health security, emphasizing the need to deepen cooperation across a range of areas while exchanging best practices.
Chen thanked Azar for the U.S. government strongly backing Taiwan’s full WHO participation, adding that he looked forward to working together to improve global health.
The government hopes the U.S. can lead like-minded countries in backing Taiwan’s attendance in the World Health Assembly as an observer and its full participation in the WHO’s activities, mechanisms and meetings, he said.
In response, Azar said the U.S. is pleased to learn from the experience of Taiwan. At a time when working together is more crucial than ever, Taiwan’s participation in the WHO can make a great contribution to the international community, he added.
Both sides also agreed to expand bilateral exchanges and strengthen health care cooperation going forward, especially in R&D of treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. (SFC-E)