Dear ___________________ , 

As a concerned citizen of this ever-smaller global village, I write to urge you to support Taiwan to attend the World Health Assembly this May as an observer.

Globalization requires that all actors – states, international organizations, NGOs, and even individuals – work together for the benefit of all mankind. In order to fulfill its objective of “the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health”, the WHO has invited observers such as the Holy See, the Palestine Liberation Organization, the Order of Malta and the International Committee of the Red Cross to participate in its work.  The WHO should likewise invite Taiwan, following the examples of many other intergovernmental organizations, including the World Trade Organization, APEC, the Asian Development Bank and the International Olympic Committee, in which Taiwan already coexists with the People’s Republic of China.

International health is dependent on the collective resources of all of its actors. However, Taiwan’s well-trained health professionals sorely lack interaction with the WHO, hindering their ability not only to improve the health of the Taiwanese people, but also to contribute to global health issues, including the challenges raised by bio-terrorism, increased population movements and international trade. Thus, Taiwan’s continued isolation from the WHO threatens the well-being of peoples around the world.

Just as viruses do not respect national boundaries, so also health care must be truly global. The international health community is rightly making all possible efforts to reach those who are left out, such as the people of Afghanistan. Why is it that the people of Taiwan, despite their peaceful development and achievements in health care, have been excluded for thirty years? 

It is my sincere hope that you will understand the plight of the Taiwanese people and support WHO observership for Taiwan.

Very truly yours,