Accept Taiwan Into The WHO

Floor Speech

ACCEPT TAIWAN INTO THE WHO -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 01, 2007)

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* Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for Taiwan's efforts to participate in the World Health Organization. Taiwan's participation in the WHO is a health issue rather than a political issue. Taiwan has been directly impacted by many of the new, global health threats that have swept Asia since 2002. During the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, Taiwan saw one of the highest incident rates of infection. More recently, Taiwan has reported incidences of avian flu outbreak, a disease which presents a global threat.

* For many years, in my district, Idaho State University hosted a unique program providing a language and cultural education program for junior diplomatic officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I spent time discussing the American political system and current events in Taiwan with the junior diplomats, and they taught me a great deal about Taiwan's political system and the challenges it faces. As Taiwan deals with new arising health threats, the lessons that I learned from the young diplomats reminded me of the importance of ensuring that all people throughout the world can access resources to fight potential pandemics.

* Madam Speaker, global health pandemics recognize no borders. Taiwan has been seeking observer status at the WHO since 1997. Other non-sovereign entities, such as the Holy See, maintain observer status. Protecting people's health is not a political issue, and gaining access to global health organizations should not be a political issue either. Safeguarding world health requires the participation of everyone in the international community. Madam Speaker, I urge the international community to accept Taiwan into the WHO community this year.

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