December 24, 2018
No. 329
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) expresses regret over the inability of the World Health Organization Secretariat, following seven months of consultations, to formulate a mutually acceptable and dignified arrangement for the Taiwan government to donate US$1 million to WHO efforts in fighting Ebola in Africa. MOFA has therefore decided to suspend this donation.
Despite being compelled to suspend this donation, Taiwan will continue to participate in international cooperation on disease prevention and remains firmly committed to making concrete contributions. It is also willing to discuss appropriate cooperation models with WHO should other needs arise, so as to show the world that the people of Taiwan set no limits on their humanitarian engagement.
Based on humanitarian considerations as well as its professional, pragmatic and constructive involvement in international medical and health cooperation, the Taiwan government announced its intention to donate the aforementioned US$1 million following an Ebola resurgence in the Democratic Republic of Congo in May this year. The United States and other major countries praised Taiwan’s intention, and the WHO Secretariat also commended Taiwan’s goodwill gesture. (E)