2007 year Press Release
As a symbol of the determination and aspiration of the 23 million people of Taiwan to join the World Health Organization (WHO), TaiwanIHA and eight other non-governmental organizations have jointly organized the “Be WHO! Taiwan” walks to give a voice to Taiwan’s appeal to join the WHO.“Be WHO! Taiwan” Walks for Taiwan’s participation in the WHO kick off simultaneously in Taipei and Kaohsiung on Saturday May 12
Everyone is invited to join the walks on May 12, held simultaneously in Taipei and Kaohsiung, to use healthy, energetic and positive means to show support for the equal health rights that the people of Taiwan deserve. Similar walks have been organized in key cities around the world to make sure Taiwan’s appeal is clearly heard.
In collaboration with TaiwanIHA, other organizers include the Chinese Taipei Road Running Association, World Vision Taiwan, the Taiwan Nurses Association, Eden Social Welfare Foundation, the Foundation of Women Rights Promotion and Development, the Taiwan Medical Professionals Alliance, Taiwan District of Kiwanis International and the International Cooperation and Development Fund. Walkers include Professor Lee Ming-liang, former Minister of Health, Ms. Chi Cheng, Olympic medalist, Mr. Kevin Lin, the Taiwanese ultra-marathon runner who crossed the Sahara desert in 111 days, Mr. Chu Mu-yen, an Olympic gold medalist in Taekwondo, Dr. Lien Chia-en, a key health professional who has helped the people of Burkina Faso, and other leaders in medical and healthcare circles. They have joined together to call on the people of Taiwan to come forward and demonstrate their will to defend Taiwan’s basic health rights.
The world has become more interdependent with the challenges brought by globalization, a fact underlined by the transmission of SARS and avian flu across national boundaries. The international community is fully aware of the concept “disease knows no boundaries, and there shouldn’t be any gaps in the international disease-prevention network.” To avoid Taiwan remaining the missing link in this network, its participation in the WHO cannot be delayed any longer. Taiwan’s NGOs have long reached out to the world with their love and care, and have organized this event to be a rational and healthy reminder to the world that Taiwan is being treated unfairly.
The walk is especially meaningful as it is held on Mother’s day eve. People of all nationalities are welcome to bring their friends and family members to join the walk. It will kick off simultaneously at Taipei City Government Square and at Chengching Lake, Kaohsiung (registration begins at 6:00 am). Together, we can make “Be WHO! Taiwan” a grand gesture of support for Taiwan’s WHO membership bid.
The walk can also deepen people’s understanding of WHO-related affairs, and can help healthcare issues break free from the barriers of politics and national borders, so that the vision of “Health for All” can be fulfilled.
For more details on the routes and other relevant information, please visit:
http://www.bewhotaiwan.com.tw