[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ACCEPT TAIWAN INTO THE WHO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  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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