Taiwan Representative to Fiji Writes: Inclusion in WHO Benefits Global Public Health

Central News Agency, Sydney, May 22. The Fiji Times, the largest newspaper in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji, published an op-ed today by Taiwan's Representative to Fiji, Chou Chin-fa. The article discusses from a pragmatic Pacific island perspective how Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization (WHO) weakens global public health defenses. He emphasized that Taiwan's medical capabilities can provide critical assistance to Pacific partners. The Fiji Times published the full-page op-ed titled 'Taiwan's inclusion in global health: why it matters to the Pacific.' Chou pointed out that the lesson from COVID-19 is that viruses do not respect borders or politics. Taiwan has a population of 23 million and one of the most advanced healthcare systems in Asia. In particular, in Hepatitis C control, Taiwan exceeded 90% in diagnosis and treatment rates by 2025, five years ahead of WHO targets. He also noted that digital and telemedicine platforms are crucial for geographically dispersed Pacific nations. Chou argued that Taiwan seeks technical contribution, not political disputes.