Over the past months, Covid-19 has killed thousands of people and ravaged the world’s economy. Supporting the countries most affected by the virus and circulating good practice to all relevant authorities takes precedence over any geopolitical interest or political divide.
It is why Liberal International notes with deep concern the World Health Organisation’s wilful disregard for the remarkable success of Taiwan in the battle against Covid-19 and, in the same breath, congratulates the Taiwanese government on their excellent leadership.
Liberal International reminds the World Health Organisation that its own constitution states that “the achievement of any State in the promotion and protection of health is of value to all” and that public health should be prioritised over any distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.
Thus, we call on the World Health Organisation to shed the spectre of political influence guiding its action and instead re-focus efforts on supporting our global health without agenda or discrimination. The guardians of our global health must not allow geopolitical machinations to infect international responses to a pandemic that transcends borders and threatens all of humanity.
In a time of global crisis we must ensure that leaders commit themselves to enacting measures that are in the public interest. As LI President, Dr. Hakima El Haité, has repeatedly stated, the maintenance of public health must take precedence over any and all political, geographical and historical divides; only through deepening multilateral cooperation and openly sharing information can we successfully prepare and defend our global community against this crisis and those that are still to come.
Liberal International therefore urges the World Health Organisation to recognise the achievements of the Taiwanese State in countering the spread of Covid-19 and call on all of the organisation’s members, including China, to refrain from impeding the circulation of vital information.
Dr. Hakima El Haité
