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¡@ ¡§There can be no real growth without healthy populations. No sustainable development without tackling disease and malnutrition. No international security without assisting crisis-ridden countries. And no hope for the spread of freedom, democracy and human dignity unless we treat health as a basic human right.¡¨ Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, WHO Director-General (term 1998-2003)* The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition. The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest co-operation of individuals and States. Principles of WHO Constitution† ¡@ WHO CARES FOR TAIWAN?! - 23 million people stand isolated ¡V Taiwan 1998 ¡V Precious Lives The ¡§entero virus¡¨ infection claimed the lives of nearly 80 Taiwanese children while Taiwan¡¦s request for information in that dilemma was ignored by WHO (World Health Organization). Similarly Taiwan¡¦s emergency aid and voluntary relief consignments destined for UNICEF were refused by WHO! Taiwan 2003 ¡V SARS a Global Threat The activity of the then unknown SARS virus generated much anxiety, fear and instability around the world. The most severely affected countries as listed by WHO were Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan. Without hesitation, our Government and CDC immediately alerted WHO of the SARS situation in Taiwan, requested help and released regular updates. In addition there was 24 hour media coverage keeping the general public informed about developments both in our country, the region and the world. Mandatory quarantine was enforced and the populace was on full emergency alert. Even WHO listed our country in the international ¡§travel advisory¡¨ category as well as ¡§Pattern C of local transmission,¡¨ yet ironically, it took seven weeks before WHO decided to send two specialists to Taiwan to assist evaluate and understand the SARS epidemic by which time the situation had escalated. They arrived on 3 May 2003 but sadly 13 deaths were already recorded between 17 March and 7 May and the final count of 84 persons included doctors and nurses caring for the afflicted. While thankful WHO experts came still their presence was dampened as they worked under ¡§instructions¡¨ which prohibited them speaking directly to our government officials or making any public statements. The inevitable question remains in peoples minds, had WHO chosen to reply to our government¡¦s invitation and request for help from the onset and also granted CDC access to valuable information, would Taiwan¡¦s 1998 and 2003 death statistics be different? Why does the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan Care? Fundamental to our faith as members of the universal Christian church is the greatest commandment to love God and likewise to ¡§Love your neighbour as you love yourself (Mark 10:27b). PCT members have both a spiritual and moral obligation to love our neighbours in our own land and globally. PCT sincerely and firmly believes the question of WHO membership transcends politics - it is a matter of basic human rights. The 23 million citizens of Taiwan, and the thousands of foreign nationals residing in our country, should not be deprived of their right to the services WHO provides. On the other hand neither should we be denied the right to make our contribution to the world community. A highly developed, educated, affluent and democratic nation, the people of Taiwan are eager and willing to give of their knowledge, expertise and resources to others. This is clearly demonstrated by the commendable record of both our Government and various NGOs who have provided international medical assistance and contributed substantially to humanitarian aid and disaster relief in other countries on numerous occasions. The fact that Taiwan is denied the right to participate fully in WHO leaves a major gap in the global battle against epidemics and the general public health and well being of all God¡¦s people. This is incomprehensible and an immoral state of affairs living as we do in an era in which globalization is a household word. It is not too much to ask that Taiwan¡¦s people be granted the dignity and the right to act as responsible world citizens along side other nations. Based on our Christian faith and belief, our Biblical understanding of love, ethics, and basic human rights of all peoples, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) humbly appeals to citizens around the world to support Taiwan¡¦s application for membership and full participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and related World Health Assembly (WHA). We seek your support and assistance in bringing this request to the attention of WHO, the UN, your local MPs/Senators and respective Governments. As a faith community we especially appeal to all PCT partner churches and related ecumenical organizations to make this an issue of prayer and action. We further ask our Christian sisters and brothers to bring this ongoing request to the attention of your relevant church committees and church courts. To date we convey our deep appreciation to the Uniting Church in Australia, the Reformed Church in America and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, for their concrete action. Undoubtedly, the people of Taiwan care deeply for WHO and all it stands for but the question remains - who cares for Taiwan? We thank you for your understanding, prayers, solidarity and action. Rev. Chen Dao-Shiung |
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