[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING TAIWAN FOR ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE WORLD HEALTH 
                                ASSEMBLY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2009

  Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, the World Health Organization (WHO) 
recently approved Taiwan's request to participate in the 62nd annual 
World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva later this month. Taiwan is a 
longtime ally of the United States, and we applaud the WHO's decision 
to include Taiwan in the WHA.
  While the threat of a pandemic outbreak pales the countless other 
world health concerns, preparing, planning and responding to an 
outbreak requires the participation of every country. Asia is an area 
of great concern because of its large concentration of people, history 
of viral outbreaks and the inexplicable refusal of some countries not 
to comply with pleas for cooperation by international health experts. 
This refusal is a threat to the world's safety and cannot be ignored.
  For its part, Taiwan has done an excellent job assisting and 
preparing for a future health emergency. Its medical system has been 
described as ``robust, solidly established and well resourced'' and it 
participates in disease prevention efforts in other countries 
throughout the world. Now that Taiwan has a role at the WHA, it can 
partner with world health leaders to generate support from some of the 
recalcitrant countries that have ignored the WHA in the past.
  Taiwan's ascension into the WHA is well deserved and should be 
recognized by the United States. Having a cohesive and efficient 
international health monitoring and response system is in everyone's 
interest. Ultimately, the American people, who are deeply invested in 
the international health community, will benefit from Taiwan's success.

                          ____________________