The 72nd World Health Assembly has heard eSwatini’s concerns over the banning of Taiwan from participating, describing it as unreasonable and groundless.
This is a political precondition that was set by the Republic of China.
Speaking on behalf of the kingdom was Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi who is currently in Geneva, Switzerland.
ESwatini is among 13 other allies of Taiwan which requested for the inclusion of the supplementary item to be entitled: “Inviting Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly as an Observer”, in the agenda of the ongoing session.
Local media quoted the minister as having informed the assembly that as stated in the Constitution of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the objective of the organisation shall be the attainment of the highest possible level of health by all people.
“The mandate of WHO will never be fulfilled if Taiwan’s 23 million people are left behind,” Nkosi was quoted.
The assembly is the decision-making body of WHO and is attended by delegations from all WHO member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.
ESwatini through the minister said Taiwan was a significant partner in international health and humanitarian aid work.
She said with Taiwan’s experience and expertise, it was committed to help advance global welfare and the right of all people across the world to access health.
eSwatini is the only African country that has relations with Taiwan.
BM/as/APA